Trump says it is ‘easier’ to deal with Russia and Putin ‘wants to end the war’

US president says Russian counterpart doing what anybody else would do' as Ukraine faces escalating aerial attacks

Donald Trump has said he finds it easier" to work with Russia than Ukraine and that Vladimir Putin wants to end the war", days after his administration cut off military assistance and intelligence to Kyiv.

I'm finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine. And they don't have the cards," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday. In terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia."