Ahead of Trump summit on Russia-Ukraine war, Putin touts US efforts so far to end conflict

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, before flying to the U.S. to meet with President Trump, praised his administration for its “energetic” efforts to stop Russia's roughly three-year-long war with Ukraine.

Putin spoke at a briefing he held with senior officials before flying to Alaska for the summit with Trump. 

He also hinted that they could strike a deal on nuclear arms control, according to CNN.

“The current American administration … is making, in my opinion, quite energetic and sincere efforts to stop the hostilities, stop the crisis and reach agreements that are of interest to all parties involved in this conflict,” he reportedly said.

Putin also reportedly said the goal of the summit is to“create long-term conditions for peace between our countries, as well as in Europe, and in the world as a whole.”

Trump vowed during his successful 2024 presidential campaign that he could promptly end the war, and touted what he considered his good relationship with Putin. 

However, he has become increasingly frustrated with Putin, essentially arguing he fails to follow through on promises to end the war.