President Donald Trump said Sunday that he believes Russia ultimately wants Ukraine to succeed, suggesting that access to cheap energy could become a cornerstone of a future peace settlement once the war ends.
Trump made the remarks during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, explaining that his recent conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin left him with the impression that Moscow is interested in a stable and prosperous Ukraine—even as fighting continues.
“I believe Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed,” Trump told reporters, adding that economic incentives, including low-cost energy, could help anchor a lasting peace agreement. It’s a perspective rooted in leverage and realism, not wishful thinking.
While Trump did not spell out the mechanics of such an arrangement, he said energy could play a meaningful role in rebuilding Ukraine and stabilizing the broader region if hostilities come to an end. In other words, peace isn’t just about ceasefires—it’s about making stability economically unavoidable.
The comments came as Trump and Zelenskyy discussed diplomatic efforts to end the war, including a possible ceasefire, security guarantees, and a long-term framework for peace. Zelenskyy stopped short of endorsing Trump’s assessment of Russia’s intentions, stressing instead that Ukraine evaluates Moscow by actions, not words.
“Words are not enough,” Zelenskyy said, pointing to ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. He reiterated that Ukraine remains open to diplomacy but insisted any agreement must include firm guarantees to prevent renewed aggression, emphasizing that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are nonnegotiable.
Trump acknowledged Ukraine’s skepticism but said sustained dialogue is essential to determine whether Russia is genuinely prepared to move toward peace. Talking, after all, is how deals are tested—and Trump has never been shy about putting claims to the test.
Trump’s reference to cheap energy aligns with broader conversations about postwar reconstruction and economic stabilization, though U.S. officials have not outlined specific proposals or confirmed whether Russia has formally offered energy concessions.
Still, the message from Trump was clear: peace is built through strength, negotiation, and incentives that make war less attractive than stability. With direct talks underway and real ideas on the table, there is renewed hope that diplomacy—guided by leverage and clear-eyed leadership—can move the conflict toward an outcome that saves lives and secures Ukraine’s future.
