United States President Donald Trump has claimed ‘millions of people’ have died in the Russia-Ukraine war, a conflict he insists would not have occurred under his watch.
However, he stressed that since it has happened, it must now come to an end.
Trump made this statement following what he described as a “lengthy and highly productive” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We discussed Ukraine, the Middle East, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, the power of the Dollar, and various other subjects,” he stated.
Reflecting on historical ties between the United States and Russia, Trump highlighted their shared sacrifices during World War II.
We both reflected on the Great History of our Nations, and the fact that we fought so successfully together in World War II, remembering that Russia lost tens of millions of people, and we, likewise, lost so many!” he said.
Trump said both leaders agreed on the urgent need to stop the ongoing bloodshed.
“But first, as we both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine,” he stated.
He also claimed that Putin referenced his campaign slogan.
“President Putin even used my very strong Campaign motto of, ‘COMMON SENSE.’ We both believe very strongly in it,” Trump noted.
The former president added that they agreed to strengthen their ties and explore the possibility of visiting each other’s countries.
“We agreed to work together, very closely, including visiting each other’s Nations,” he revealed.
According to Trump, both sides have decided to begin negotiations immediately, starting with a call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We will begin by calling President Zelenskyy, of Ukraine, to inform him of the conversation, something which I will be doing right now,” he said.
Trump also announced that he had tasked key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, with leading the peace talks.
“I feel strongly, will be successful,” he stated.
The president expressed his gratitude to Putin for his role in securing the release of Marc Fogel, an American recently freed from Russian detention.
“I want to thank President Putin for his time and effort with respect to this call, and for the release, yesterday, of Marc Fogel, a wonderful man that I personally greeted last night at the White House,” he said.
Trump ended his statement by emphasising the need to prevent further loss of life.
“No more lives should be lost!” he declared, adding, “I believe this effort will lead to a successful conclusion, hopefully soon!”
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) confirmed a total of 40,838 civilian casualties during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as of December 31, 2024. Of these, 28,382 individuals were reported injured. However, OHCHR noted that the actual numbers could be higher.