“This is Turkey time” – Trump committed sanctions against Moscow when peace talks fail, Putin says “tired” of the war

US President Donald Trump said that he still believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin was willing to complete a deal to terminate the war in Ukraine.

“To be honest, I will (impose sanctions) if we don't make a deal,” said Trump in an interview published on May 16 on Fox News' Bret Baier.

Trump's comments come when peace talks in Istanbul ended on May 16 without a breakthrough, and Russia again gave extensive demands, including the acceptance of neutral status by Ukraine, the acquisition of claims on war repairs from Moscow and the recognition of Crimea and four occupied regions that do not fully control Russia.

The European leaders who worked with Washington to put the Kremlin under pressure have been frustrated about the keeping and confusion of Russia about Trump's shift signals in the past few weeks. While the United States and Europe anchored in a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire, Trump has emphasized the need for a direct examination of Putin since then and has not put new sanctions into operation.

“I always had the feeling that there could be no meeting without me because I don't believe that a deal will come through … There is a lot of hatred on both sides, said Trump and repeated that he wanted to meet Putin soon.” I have a very good relationship with Putin. I think we'll make a deal. We have to come together and I think we'll probably plan it. “

He also claimed that Putin was ready to negotiate. “Putin is at the table,” said Trump, although he was not physically present during the talks. “He wanted this meeting … I think Putin has this whole thing tired. And he doesn't look good and he wants to look good.”

When asked whether Putin was the main obstacle to peace, Trump pointed to President Volodymyr Zelensky instead. “Look, I had a really hard session with Zelensky. He didn't make it easy and I always said that he didn't have the cards (to win) … you are dealing with the massive army,” he said.

Ukraine still insists on a ceasefire supported by the USA and Europe and explains that a standstill for active warfare must come before real peace talks are possible. Russia has rejected a ceasefire four times so far – on March 11, March 25, May 11 and the last on May 16 in Istanbul.