President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to amplify false claims concerning the state of the warfare in Ukraine on social media.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated his administration spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, including that he was optimistic the three-year battle would quickly be over.
“We had superb and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there’s a superb likelihood that this horrible, bloody warfare can lastly come to an finish,” Trump wrote.
Whereas Trump appeared to recommend he had a direct dialog with Putin, White Home press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified Putin had up to now solely spoken with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff who traveled to Moscow this week.
In his social media put up, Trump additionally appeared to amplify a falsehood promoted by the Kremlin.
“AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION,” he wrote. “I’ve strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared.”
Trump seemed to be referencing Russia’s claims it has encircled troops in its Kursk area. Whereas Russian forces have made advances there, reversing a few of Ukraine’s good points over the summer time, each Kyiv and unbiased analysts have questioned the claims, according to The New York Times.
Ukraine’s General Staff said such experiences “are false and are being created by the Russians for political functions and to place stress on Ukraine and its companions.”
Witkoff’s go to to Russia adopted a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire to the warfare, which Ukraine has already permitted. Putin on Thursday stated he supported the thought in precept however stated extra particulars would must be hashed out for him to formally again the plan.
Putin additionally appeared to point he would need all Ukrainian troops in Kursk to give up as a part of the truce, the Occasions famous.
In the meantime, a CNN poll launched Friday confirmed that almost all of People disapprove of Trump’s dealing with of the warfare in Ukraine and doubt he’ll achieve bringing lasting peace to the area.
