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U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday before departing for a campaign rally in Ohio that the energy truce between Russia and Ukraine remains in force, even though he believes it has been violated by both parties. Asked whether the agreement still held, Trump said the two sides had accepted it because he said they had, adding that the matter now needs to be resolved and calling the war "a total catastrophe."

When reminded of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's claim that Russia had broken the accord, Trump replied that the situation needed to be examined because "there were violations from both sides." He also rejected reports suggesting that only Vladimir Putin backed the deal while Zelenskiy did not, insisting that both leaders support it.

Trump said he thinks Putin wants to reach an agreement and that Washington must ensure Zelenskiy seeks one as well, adding that Putin appears more eager than his Ukrainian counterpart. Both men want a deal but do not know how to get there, he argued, saying the United States must help bring them together. Trump also described a diesel agreement with Russia as important for the whole world, not just for the U.S.

Key Takeaways

• Trump said the Russia-Ukraine energy truce remains valid despite violations by both sides.
• He rejected claims that only Putin backs the deal, insisting Zelenskiy supports it too.
• Trump argued Putin wants an agreement more than Zelenskiy and urged both to negotiate.