Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his belief on Thursday that United States President Donald Trump is genuinely committed to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking aboard the Russian submarine Arkhangelsk during a meeting with naval personnel, Putin commented on Trump's intentions regarding the conflict.

"In my opinion, the newly elected President of the United States sincerely wants to end this conflict," Putin said. His remarks come at a time of renewed international focus on diplomatic efforts to resolve the prolonged war, which has drawn widespread global attention and reshaped East-West relations.

Putin reiterated Russia’s official position that a peaceful resolution remains possible, provided that the core causes of the conflict are addressed. While he did not specify what Moscow considers those root causes to be, Russian officials have long argued that NATO expansion, Western military support for Ukraine, and issues of regional security have contributed significantly to the crisis.

The Russian president’s statements may be interpreted as an opening for potential negotiations, especially if Trump continues to prioritize ending the war as part of his foreign policy strategy. However, any meaningful progress would likely require concessions and confidence-building measures from both sides, amid continued hostilities on the ground.

As tensions remain high, Putin’s comments could mark a shift in tone from previous rhetoric, potentially signaling a willingness to engage diplomatically under the right conditions. Whether this results in substantive talks or de-escalation remains to be seen.