End of war in Ukraine getting very close, says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed confidence that a settlement between Russia and Ukraine could be reached soon saying the prolonged conflict was moving closer to an end reported IANSSpeaking to reporters before boarding Marine One Trump said ongoing diplomatic efforts were making progress although he did not provide details about any specific negotiations or agreements reported IANSldquoThe end of the war in Ukraine I really think its getting very closerdquo Trump said while responding to a question related to discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping reported IANSThe remarks come amid continued international attempts to push Moscow and Kyiv towards negotiations after years of conflict that has reshaped global geopolitical and economic dynamicsTrump says settlement between Russia and Ukraine possibleDuring the interaction with reporters Trump repeated his belief that diplomatic progress was being made behind the scenesldquoThat war is getting closer Believe it or not its getting closerrdquo he said ldquoWe think were going to end up getting a settlement between Russia and UkrainerdquoTrump also dismissed reports suggesting that there had been any understanding with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding control over the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine reported IANSWhen asked whether Russia should receive the entire Donbas region as part of any future settlement Trump replied ldquoNo NordquoThe US President added that he was prepared to do ldquowhateverrsquos necessaryrdquo to help end the warUkraine conflict expected to feature in China talksTrump made the comments while outlining broader foreign policy priorities ahead of his visit to China where he is expected to hold talks with Xi JinpingThe summit is likely to focus on multiple international issues including the RussiaUkraine war tensions in West Asia and global economic conditionsTrump suggested that resolving geopolitical conflicts could have a positive impact on global markets particularly energy prices and inflationldquoAs soon as this war is over yoursquore going to see oil prices droprdquo Trump said while discussing broader international tensions and economic pressures reported IANSWar continues to affect global economyThe RussiaUkraine war has continued for more than four years causing widespread destruction in Ukraine and disrupting global food energy and supply chainsWestern countries have maintained sanctions on Russia while several nations continue diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire or negotiated settlementThe conflict has also significantly affected global crude oil markets and inflation levels across major economiesIndia balancing ties amid geopolitical tensionsIndia has faced increasing diplomatic pressure from Western countries over its continued purchases of discounted Russian crude oil since the beginning of the conflictAt the same time New Delhi has strengthened defence and energy cooperation with the United States and European countries while maintaining its longstanding strategic partnership with RussiaIndia has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict and has urged both sides to pursue peaceful negotiationsWith inputs from IANS