U.S. President Trump labeled Putin as "very smart," suggesting his intentions were aimed at full control of Ukraine, without aiming for a negotiation.

Trump suggested that, in his view, Putin never intended to seek a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine. “I think he wanted the whole thing,” Trump stated, implying that Russia’s original goal was full control of Ukraine.

When asked whether Putin would have to make concessions in order to resolve Russia’s war against Ukraine, Trump confirmed, “He will have to.”