Trump on consequences if Putin–Zelenskyy meeting does not happen: "We’re going to see what happens" (updated)
US President Donald Trump dodged a question about the possible consequences if a bilateral meeting between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not take place.
He said this at a White House briefing on September 2, Censor.NET reports.
A journalist asked Trump what the consequences would be if the Putin–Zelenskyy meeting did not happen. In response, he cited casualty figures from the war.
"We’re going to see what happens. We’re going to see what they do and what happens. I’m watching it very closely. Last week they lost 7,000 between the two countries. 7,313 soldiers, to be somewhat exact. For no reason whatsoever. And they’re Russian and they’re Ukrainian. I want to see it end," Trump said again.
The U.S. president also said he had learned "something very interesting" when asked by a journalist whether he had spoken with Putin during the week.
"You’ll find out about this in the coming days... A few weeks ago, I had a very successful meeting with Putin. If nothing comes of this, we will change our position," Trump added.
