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By Peter Aitken and Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump told reporters on Friday that Russia "has all the cards," suggesting that negotiating with Moscow "may be easier" despite its aggressive stance in its war against Ukraine.
Newsweek reached out to the National Security Council (NSC) by email for comment on Friday afternoon.
Why It Matters
Negotiations over a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine took a sharp turn last week when Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argued openly in front of reporters in the Oval Office. Trump said that dealing with Ukraine going forward would prove difficult.
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However, officials revealed this week that talks would resume in Saudi Arabia next week following Zelensky's visit to the Saudi royal family.
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What To Know
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump urged Ukraine to "get on the ball and get a job done" as he expressed frustration over Kyiv's position over peace talks, saying he found it "more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine."
He said that Russia is "bombing the hell out of" Ukraine but argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin had "all the cards" when it came to negotiating a peace deal. Trump stressed that he viewed it as vital to "settle the war" before even considering security guarantees for Ukraine.
"As you know, we're meeting in Saudi Arabia on, sometime next week, early, and we're talking - what I find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia, which is surprising because they have all the cards," Trump said.
When asked whether he believes Putin when the Russian leader says he wants peace, Trump responded, "Yeah... I believe him."
"I think he wants to get it stopped and settled and I think he's hitting them harder than he's been hitting them and I think probably anybody in that position would be doing that right now," Trump said.
However, Trump cryptically added, "frankly, they [Ukraine] don't have a choice," and that Russia "have no choice" in a "certain different way that only I know."
Trump has tried to increase pressure on Russia, despite his belief in their strong position, by threatening fresh sanctions across the banking sector in addition to new tariffs on the Russian economy if its military doesn't ease back and Putin doesn't come to the negotiating table.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump in a Truth Social post wrote: "Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED. To Russia and Ukraine, get to the table right now, before it is too late. Thank you!!!"
Laura Loomer, a rightwing activist and conservative commentator, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Donald Trump talking to Russia and Ukraine like he's their father. "Get to the table right now, before it's too late!" It's nice to see the adults are back in charge. Thank you, President [Donald Trump]."
David Axelrod, a political commentator and President Barack Obama's chief campaign strategist, wrote on X: "The baffling thing about Trump's post today flaying Russia for its latest barrage of missile attacks on Ukraine is that it follows, by a few days, the [POTUS]'s decision to withhold from Ukraine the intelligence-sharing it needs to better repel such attacks. #confusing."
What Happens Next
The U.S. and Ukraine will convene in Saudi Arabia to discuss the contours of a peace deal and potentially sign an economic securities deal that would give the U.S. rights to mine rare earth minerals from Ukraine as a means of recouping the cost of aid sent during the war.
Update, 3/7/25 at 1:55 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information, context and quotes.
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