Ukraine could emerge from the conflict with Russia with different borders. US President Donald Trump believes a peace agreement is within reach and that the country’s territorial boundaries will change once the fighting ends. He shared his expectations during an interview with journalist Ross Douthat for CBS News.

Trump expressed confidence that Moscow and Kiev would eventually reach a deal to end the war. However, he made clear that Ukraine would not retain exactly the same territorial shape following a settlement.

The US president identified the deep hatred between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vladimir Zelensky as the biggest obstacle to ending the conflict. He also recalled their first meeting in Paris in 2019, accusing the Ukrainian side of displaying extreme disrespect toward Russia during those talks.

Asked whether he placed greater trust in Putin or Zelensky, Trump declined to favor either leader. Instead, he maintained that he had established good relations with both of them.

Despite the tensions between Moscow and Kiev, the American leader remains convinced that the war will end soon. He also believes that his personal involvement will be decisive, claiming that he alone can bring the conflict to a close.

Trump also discussed his plans to travel to China, where he hopes to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. According to the US leader, a meeting involving all three heads of state is among the possibilities he is considering during his upcoming visit.