US President Donald Trump said he is confident that an agreement to settle the conflict in Ukraine will eventually be reached, while expressing regret that the process could not be completed sooner.

Speaking on January 9 about the state of the Ukraine talks during a meeting with executives of major American oil companies at the White House — held in the context of discussions on Venezuela — Trump said he expects a final resolution. He noted that he had previously maintained good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin but said he is now disappointed.

Trump later clarified that his remarks about disappointment were directed specifically at Putin. He also stated that he views both Russia and China positively, expressing respect for the peoples of both countries and emphasizing that he has been able to work well with the Russian president, despite his current dissatisfaction with Putin’s position.