Ukraine war will end soon, but map may change: Trump

US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine will end soon. He also hinted that Ukraine's current territory could change somewhat after a possible peace deal.

In an interview on CBS News' 60 Minutes programme, Trump said there is deep enmity between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. That enmity has become a major obstacle to establishing peace, he said.

But Trump claimed that it is because of his mediation that the war will come to an end. He believes the two countries have come very close to reaching an understanding.

In the interview, Trump was asked which of Putin and Zelenskyy he trusted more. Without answering directly, Trump said he maintains good relations with both leaders.

Journalist Ross Douthat asked whether Zelenskyy's anger was more justified, since Russia had attacked Ukraine. Trump acknowledged that the Ukrainian president's anger was justified.

At the same time, he also raised the issue of disrespect shown towards Russia. Pointing to US sanctions and economic pressure on Russia, Trump claimed he has taken a tougher stance towards Putin than many other US presidents.

Asked whether a peace deal is possible while preserving Ukraine's independence and sovereignty, Trump said he believes a deal will happen. But he added that after that deal, the arrangement of Ukraine's territory could be somewhat different.

His remarks have brought the question of a possible solution to the Ukraine war, and a territorial settlement, back to the fore.

However, the US president gave no specific information about the terms of a possible deal or about the territorial changes.