A stray open microphone has exposed remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about Russia’s Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine, moments before a multilateral meeting with European leaders at the White House.
Speaking quietly to French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump was overheard saying of Putin: “ I think he wants to make a deal for me, you understand? As crazy as it sounds.” The comment sheds light on how Trump interprets his recent meeting with Putin in Alaska.
Trump later announced that preparations are under way for a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin, followed by a trilateral summit involving himself. The goal, he said on Truth Social, would be to restore peace after more than three years of war.
According to reports, Putin expressed willingness to meet Zelensky during a phone call with Trump. Zelensky confirmed that the United States supports the trilateral format but emphasized that agreement from all three parties is required.
“The U.S. president had a phone call with the Russian side to discuss upcoming diplomatic steps. Russia suggested a bilateral meeting first, followed by the trilateral,” Zelensky explained.
The episode highlights the delicate negotiations under way, as well as Trump’s candid — and unintendedly public — assessment of Putin’s intentions.
