After meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, President Trump urged both Russia and Ukraine to “stop right now at the battle line” and begin peace talks. Speaking to reporters after landing in Florida on October 17, Trump said his message to Zelensky and President Vladimir Putin was simple: “The war should stop, and both parties should go by the battle line wherever it is. Otherwise, it’s too complicated — you’ll never be able to figure it out.” The president emphasized that halting the bloodshed must come before negotiations on territory, adding on Truth Social, “Stop the killing, and make a DEAL!”