Trump denies Russian influence claims, seeks Ukraine peace

• Donald Trump responded to Volodymyr Zelensky's accusations, which suggested that individuals within the US President's circle are under the influence of Russian propaganda.
• Steve Witkoff, the chief negotiator of the US, was accused of echoing the Russian narrative, causing controversy within the administration.
• Vice President J.D. Vance defended Witkoff, highlighting his diplomatic successes.

Donald Trump firmly denied Volodymyr Zelensky's suggestions that his administration was under the influence of Russian propaganda. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump stated that both Ukraine and Russia are eager to bring the conflict to an end, emphasizing that there is significant pressure to reach a resolution.

Zelensky, in an interview with "The Times," suggested that White House representatives had started to believe Vladimir Putin, despite American intelligence reports contradicting this. The President of Ukraine pointed to the case of the alleged encirclement of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.

Chief US negotiator Steve Witkoff found himself at the centre of controversy after revealing in an interview that Putin claimed to have Ukrainians surrounded in the Kursk region. Witkoff also suggested that Russian territorial demands are justified, which was met with criticism.

Vice President J.D. Vance defended Witkoff, highlighting his diplomatic skills. "Steve Witkoff is a great guy doing an incredible job," assured Vance on platform X.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce was unable to clearly state whether Witkoff's statements reflect the administration's position. Bruce acknowledged that numerous discussions are ongoing but refrained from commenting on most of them. He stressed that the primary objective of the U.S. is to secure peace and protect human lives.