U.S. has mutual understanding with Russia on Ukraine settlement - Trump

MOSCOW. April 24 (Interfax) - U.S. President Donald Trump has said he has an understanding with Moscow regarding a settlement to the Ukraine crisis and will now work to reach the same result with Kiev.

"I think Russia is ready. I think we have a deal with Russia. We have to get a deal with [Ukrainian President Vladimir] Zelensky. [...] So far it's been harder. But it's okay, it's all right," Trump told journalists in the White House.

The U.S. president believes that he could effectively help settle the Ukraine crisis "because of an ability I have to do things."

Trump also said he is confident that both sides of the Ukraine conflict are very close to a deal.

"We are very close to a deal, but the man [Zelensky] with 'no cards to play' should now, finally, get it done," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

"I look forward to being able to help Ukraine, and Russia, get out of this complete and total mess, that would have never started if I were president," he said.

"I have no favorites. I don't want to have any favorites. I want to have a deal done," Trump said.