Washington - Saba:
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he will not impose new sanctions on Russia because there is a chance to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
"Because I think there is a chance to achieve something," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, responding to a reporter's question about why his administration has not imposed new sanctions on Russia.
Trump also expressed confidence that changes will occur regarding the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, adding, "I think something will happen, and if it doesn't, I'll pull out."
In response to a question about whether Ukraine was making enough efforts to achieve a ceasefire, Trump replied, "I'd rather answer that question in two weeks. I can't say yes or no."
Trump rejected suggestions that Russia was "in no hurry" to take action to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Asked whether he believed Russia was in no hurry to resolve the situation, he told reporters, "I think he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is fed up... This (situation) has been going on for three years."
On Monday, the Kremlin press service reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin called US President Donald Trump from the Sirius Education Center.
The Russian president and his US counterpart held two phone calls. On February 12, Putin discussed the Ukrainian issue with his US counterpart, as well as the accumulated problems in relations between the two countries. The two presidents agreed to continue contacts, including organizing personal meetings.
A further phone call took place on March 18. During the conversation, the issues of settlement in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as bilateral relations, were discussed.
President Putin then expressed his support for Trump's idea for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but with some reservations. He immediately ordered a halt to strikes on energy facilities, although there was no response to the initiative from the Kyiv regime.
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