During a meeting between Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the focus turned to the war in Ukraine after a question about how Erdogan could help bring Putin and Zelensky to the negotiating table.
In response, Trump stated that the Turkish leader is “highly respected by both” and could have a “major influence” if he chooses, although he is currently “very neutral.”
According to Trump, the best action Erdogan could take is to stop buying oil and gas from Russia.
“He knows Putin as I know Putin,” he added, reiterating his frequent claim that he has resolved some wars before, but that he “thought this would be among the easiest to solve.”
Trump further emphasized that Russia has spent billions of dollars and gained “virtually no territory,” adding: “I think it’s time to stop, I really think so.”
