Donald Trump labels Russia a “big fighting force” and says Putin and Zelensky seek peace

U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara that Russia is “a big fighting force” with “tremendous potential,” noting the country’s large territory and natural resources. The remarks came as he prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the summit sidelines and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to NATO and Ukraine’s defense, including licensing Ukraine to produce Patriot air‑defence systems.

Later, Trump said that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky want to end the war, speaking after a fresh Russian attack on Kyiv that killed at least 18 people. He claimed to have ended eight wars in the past, citing past India‑Pakistan tensions, and said he had held separate calls with Putin and Zelensky over the weekend to discuss ending the conflict.

Trump’s statements combine an acknowledgement of Russia’s military capabilities with assertions that the two leaders are ready for a peace settlement, while the NATO gathering continues to focus on European security and support for Ukraine.