Kremlin Welcomes Trump's Intentions To End War In Ukraine

JAKARTA - The Kremlin welcomes US President Donald Trump's wish to focus on efforts to reach a peace agreement to end the battle in Ukraine after reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. Moscow hopes Trump can push Kyiv towards completion.

Speaking before Israel's Knesset the day before after brokering a deal between Israel and Hamas, Trump spoke about his desire to reach an agreement with Iran over his nuclear program.

But Trump said he would turn his attention to trying to end the war in Ukraine first.

"First of all we have to finish Russia. We have to finish that one. If you don't mind, Steve, let's focus on Russia first," Trump said, speaking to Steve Witkoff, a special envoy who had previously negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia remains open to peace negotiations.

"We certainly welcome this intention and we welcome the affirmation of political will to do everything possible to encourage the search for a peaceful solution," Peskov said when asked about Trump's statement.

"We already know Mr. Witkoff very well; he is effective, has proven his effectiveness in the Middle East, and we hope his talent will continue to contribute to the work that is already underway in Ukraine," he continued.

Russia accuses Ukraine of delaying negotiations and not realizing the idea of forming a working group to consider potential aspects of the deal.

Instead, Ukraine accused Moscow of not being serious about the deal and put forward the same terms as asking Ukraine to surrender.

"The Russian side remains open and ready for peaceful dialogue, and we hope that the influence of the United States and the diplomatic skills of President Trump's envoys will help encourage Ukraine to be more active and more willing to engage in the peace process," Peskov said.

Peskov said dialogue with the US around Ukraine had stalled.

Trump talks about the possibility of supplying Ukraine with the Tomahawk cruise missile, a policy Moscow considers a dangerous escalation.