Trump Says He Wants to Keep Russia at the Negotiating Table, Cites “Great Progress” in Peace Talks

International Desk. October 19, 2026.

US President Donald Trump has made a lengthy post on Truth Social explaining his position on Russia. In the post, posted at 4:36 pm local time on October 18, he said that peace talks are underway to end the Russia-Ukraine war and that he does not want to do anything that would foolishly push Russia away from the negotiating table.

“The decision is very easy”

Trump wrote that his decision on Russia was “very easy.” He claimed that “tremendous progress” was being made in the talks, including ongoing hostage talks. In the post, he mentioned signing a document that he said would withdraw Russia from the talks if signed now. But he added that he could sign it “later, or whenever he wants.” The post did not specify the content of the document.

Iran context

Trump said, “perhaps more importantly,” that Russia is doing “very little, if anything,” compared to its ability to help the Islamic Republic of Iran. He wants to keep it that way and will continue to do so “unless stupid people stop it.”

Allegations against Zelensky

In the last part of the post, Trump attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in harsh language. He alleged that Zelensky was targeting Russian diesel refineries, despite knowing that these attacks were causing serious damage to the global diesel market, including the United States. He said that farmers, ranchers and all kinds of businesses were suffering huge losses. He claimed that despite this, Russia was sending millions of barrels of diesel to the world at low prices.

Trump also said that Zelensky does not want to end the war, and “probably never did,” because of the “famous” European aid and money given by former President Joe Biden (in his words, “Crooked Joe Biden”). According to him, the deal Zelensky could have made two years ago would have been better than what is happening now.

Trump also made harsh comments about the current state of Ukraine. He said the country has become a “ruined heap,” has lost large parts of its territory, has lost control of its seas and coasts, and has seen its male population dwindle, wounded, or killed.

Trump concluded the post with a large caption, “I want this war to end!” and thanked everyone for their attention. The post was written under the name of President Donald J. Trump.