Former U.S. president Donald Trump said on 13 August that he does not believe he can persuade Russian president Vladimir Putin to cease strikes on civilians in Ukraine, telling reporters, "I guess the answer is no, because I've had that conversation." Trump added that he had "a lot of good conversations" with Putin during his time in office and reiterated that he "wants to end the war," but suggested domestic political controversies over Russia limited his ability to engage Moscow more forcefully while in the White House.
Q: Can you convince Putin to stop bombing people in Ukraine? Trump: Pobably no. I’ve had a lot of good conversations with him. Then I see a rocket hit a nursing home or apartment and people dead in the street. 1/ https://t.co/qz23KOcSBg
Trump confronted by false accusations that 'Putin is targeting civilians in Ukraine' 'I want to end the war' — Trump Adds: In first term 'I got along with Vladimir', but Dems fabricated Russiagate 'I was unable to deal with Russia the way we should have' https://t.co/xjH78GUoHW https://t.co/I8QrVclYOu
Reporter: Do you believe you can convince Putin to stop attacks on civilians in Ukraine? Trump: I think the answer is no. Because I had such a conversation. https://t.co/69hLsIi2U5