US President Donald Trump expressed his expectation for Russia to follow suit after the ceasefire agreement reached with Ukraine, stating that “Putin made a very promising statement, and I would like to meet and talk with him soon.”

Hosting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump evaluated the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, recalling that Ukraine agreed to the 30-day temporary ceasefire, saying, “We hope Russia will do the same. A complete ceasefire is at stake here,” he said.

Reminding that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff conducted ceasefire talks in Moscow today, Trump underlined that the talks are proceeding very seriously and they are hopeful. Trump found Putin’s recent statements on the ceasefire agreement promising, saying, “Putin made a very promising statement, and I would like to meet and talk with him soon. If Russia does not wish to agree, this will be a disappointment for the whole world,” he said.

Trump mentioned that they discussed with Ukraine the territories Russia would hold, emphasizing that they are transparent about this and that many issues, including an energy plant, were addressed as part of the final agreement.

“The war between Russia and Ukraine could have continued for a long time. We have broken an impasse. I do not think Russia will attack other allies; I will make sure that does not happen,” Trump said.

Assessing their rare earth elements deal with Ukraine, Trump said, “We have a rare earth elements deal with Ukraine that will bring us something back, will bring us our money back.” Criticizing former President Joe Biden’s Ukraine policies, Trump argued that Crimea was handed over to Russia by former President Barack Obama, and Georgia was given to Russia by former President George W. Bush, saying, “I did not give them anything. I just gave Javelin missiles to Ukraine.”

Stating that other allies should make their fair share of payments, and that he is sensitive about this, Trump commented, “NATO has become stronger thanks to my actions.”

Moreover, Trump responded to a question about the annexation of Greenland by saying, “I think this will happen. We need to reach an agreement on this, and Denmark cannot do it. We are in talks with Denmark. We really need this for our national security.” Responding to a question about his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Trump said, “I have a great relationship with Kim Jong-un in North Korea. If I had not been elected, if Hillary had been elected, it would have led to a nuclear war with North Korea.”

In his remarks, once again complaining about the tariffs the European Union (EU) imposes on the US, Trump said, “The EU is very nasty to us. They sue Apple, Google, Facebook, they sue all these companies and get billions of dollars from American companies. I think they use this to govern Europe. I do not know what they use them for, but they are treating us badly. China is also treating us badly. Almost everyone does.”

Trump also argued that the US does not need Canada, but Canada needs the US, saying, “We have been cheated for years, and we will not be cheated anymore. In the case of Canada, we spend $200 billion a year subsidizing Canada. Canada is actually like one of our states, there is an artificial border between us and it makes no sense.”

NATO Secretary General Rutte thanked President Trump for his efforts on the Russia-Ukraine war and other issues, emphasizing the need to compete with China and Russia in global competition. Rutte said, “We need to produce more weapons. We are not producing enough weapons, falling behind the Russians and the Chinese.” Indirectly supporting Trump’s statements on Greenland, Rutte argued that the US should have a say in that region as well.