Trump: Ukraine War Nearing End

US President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that Russia's war against Ukraine is nearing an end, expressing optimism for a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv as he departed the White House for a trip to China.

"The end of the war in Ukraine, I really think it's getting very close," Trump told reporters. He added that he would do whatever is necessary to achieve peace, including a potential visit to Russia this year. His remarks echoed recent comments from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested over the weekend that the conflict is heading toward a conclusion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that while groundwork has been laid through trilateral contacts, no specific details on a settlement exist yet.

The statements came amid renewed fighting after a US-brokered three-day ceasefire from May 9 to 11 expired. Russia rejected Ukraine's proposal to extend the pause, and both sides accused each other of violations. Ukrainian officials reported that Russia launched more than 200 drones overnight, striking civilian infrastructure including apartment buildings, energy facilities and a kindergarten. The attacks killed at least six people in the Dnipropetrovsk region and...