United States President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as he hosted his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.On Friday, Trump also told reporters that Zelenskyy will “be in touch” during upcoming negotiations in Hungary, where the US president will meet with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of listBut direct talks between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders are unlikely, according to Trump, who reemphasised “there’s a lot of blood” between the two presidents.“I think we have a chance of ending the war quickly if flexibility is shown,” Trump told reporters.For his part, Zelenskyy also said he was hopeful about the prospect of a resolution, citing Russian losses on the battlefield and the Trump-brokered ceasefire in Gaza.“I think this is a momentum to finish Russia’s war against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.“I think that, yes, we understand that Putin is not ready,” he told Trump. “But I think that I’m confident that, with your help, we can stop this war, and we really need it.”Friday’s meeting marked Zelenskyy’s third visit to Washington, DC, since Trump returned to office for a second term in January. The brief but amicable meeting showed an improvement in the ties between the two presidents.By contrast, Zelenskyy’s first visit, in February, saw a testy exchange in the White House. Trump belittled the Ukrainian president, telling him – in front of reporters – that he is in a weak position.Vice President JD Vance joined the public berating and accused Zelenskyy of failing to express gratitude …
