The latest steps reflect an evolving approach from the U.S. president, who promised to swiftly resolve the war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Trump also revealed that Putin had recently offered to assist in mediating between Israel and Iran during their brief June conflict — an offer he declined. “I said, ‘No, no, you help me get a settlement with you, with Russia,’” Trump recounted. “And I think we're going to be doing that too.”