Trump says Russia-Ukraine peace may be closer than expected

US President Donald Trump said he believes a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war is closer than many people think.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said progress toward a settlement had advanced beyond public expectations.

"I think we are closer to a resolution than people realize," the US president said.

Trump also expressed confidence that both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy want to bring the conflict to an end.

"President Putin wants it to end. I can tell you that with confidence. President Zelenskyy also wants it to end now," Trump said.

He added that the issue would be discussed at the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, expressing optimism that a peace agreement could be achieved.