President Trump shared his expectations for the future of the conflict in Ukraine during 60 Minutes interview with correspondent Ross Douthat, as reported by Kyiv Independent. He predicted that the war will conclude soon and that the final outcome will include a little bit different shape for Ukraine. This outlook comes as diplomatic efforts intensify ahead of trilateral peace negotiations scheduled for November 10-11 in Abu Dhabi.
The president claimed that he is the primary reason the war is heading toward an end. He stated that he believes we are very close to making a deal. When the conversation turned to the primary barriers to peace, the president identified the personal dynamic between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin as a major factor.
Trump described the situation as the hatred between Zelensky and Putin. When asked to choose who he trusts more between the two leaders, the president refused to provide a direct answer. He noted that he gets along with both and expressed that he does not feel Putin is stringing him along.
The interview also touched on the technical difficulties involving Starlink and Starshield systems
These limitations reportedly hindered military efforts to intercept jet-powered drones. The president denied personal involvement in these service disruptions. He maintained that he does not know who was responsible for the speed caps and suggested that a lot of lies are going on with that war. Regarding the role of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the president stated that he could not identify who initiated the restrictions but confirmed that Musk eventually restored the service.
The president used the platform to defend his past and present policies toward Russia. He argued that he has been tougher on the nation than anyone else, citing his use of sanctions and trade policies. When pressed about his recent waiver of sanctions on Russian oil exports, he argued that he did not do any big favor. He framed the move as a way to provide diesel to the world, rather than to the United States.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on military aid. The president criticized the volume of support provided during the administration of Joe Biden. He suggested that the United States provided massive amounts of equipment without receiving anything in return. He contrasted this with his own approach, which involves selling weapons to European allies who then transfer those arms to Ukraine.
Trump acknowledged that Ukraine has been very formidable in the conflict, noting that they had the courage to use the weapons provided. However, he maintained that the long-term results of these aid efforts remain to be seen.
These comments follow a difficult period for the Republican Party after a defeat in the midterm elections. The president maintained a confident stance on his ability to navigate the situation. He insisted that the ongoing peace process in Abu Dhabi is a very important meeting and that the resolution of the conflict is imminent.
Published: Nov 9, 2026 11:30 am