US President Donald Trump has said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine, though he did not disclose when or how often they had spoken.
In an interview published Saturday by the New York Post, Trump said Putin "wants to see people stop dying."
The White House has not commented on the report. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian media he "can neither confirm nor deny" the claim, adding that discussions between Washington and Moscow occur through different channels.
Trump has repeatedly stated that he could end the conflict "within 24 hours" but has not outlined how he would do so.
On Friday, while travelling on Air Force One, he instructed his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, to speed up diplomatic efforts.
"They want to meet. Every day people are dying. Young handsome soldiers are being killed. Young men, like my sons. On both sides. All over the battlefield," Trump told the New York Post.
The former president has suggested linking continued US aid to Ukraine with access to the country’s rare earth minerals, though no formal proposal has been made public.
Russia currently controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine's territory and is advancing at its fastest pace since the early months of the invasion. The war, which began in February 2022, has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.
Putin has said he is open to negotiations but insists Russia will not give up land it has seized.
A senior Russian lawmaker told state media that "advanced" preparations were underway for a Trump-Putin meeting, possibly as early as this month. However, the Kremlin has downplayed speculation, saying no formal discussions have taken place.
Trump is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week, but no official confirmation has been made.
While Trump has criticised the US role in funding Kyiv’s war effort, his administration has not announced a shift in policy. Meanwhile, NATO allies remain wary of his stance, with European leaders warning that any reduction in US support could embolden Russia.
Trump has not ruled out speaking with Putin again, telling reporters, "I will probably be talking to President Putin" in the near future.
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