President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to amplify false claims about the state of the war in Ukraine on social media.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his administration spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, adding that he was optimistic the three-year conflict would soon be over.
“We had very good and productive discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia yesterday, and there is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end,” Trump wrote.
While Trump seemed to suggest he had a direct conversation with Putin, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified Putin had so far only spoken with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff who traveled to Moscow this week.
In his social media post, Trump also appeared to amplify a falsehood promoted by the Kremlin.
“AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THOUSANDS OF UKRAINIAN TROOPS ARE COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY THE RUSSIAN MILITARY, AND IN A VERY BAD AND VULNERABLE POSITION,” he wrote. “I have strongly requested to President Putin that their lives be spared.”
Trump appeared to be referencing Russia’s claims it has encircled troops in its Kursk region. While Russian forces have made advances there, reversing some of Ukraine’s gains over the summer, both Kyiv and independent analysts have questioned the claims, according to The New York Times.
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