WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to reach a deal with Russia to end the conflict.
"We want Zelensky to make a deal," Trump told reporters at the White House. "If they don't make a deal, it's just gonna get worse."
"We have given tremendous amounts to Ukraine; we've got nothing back. Other than high diesel," Trump said. "The American taxpayers are tired of it."
"It's time to make a deal," he added, "Russia would like to get it done."
Trump made the appeal after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Zelensky and European officials in Oslo on Tuesday. Zelensky reportedly said after the Oslo talks that discussions had been constructive.
Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Wednesday and present him with an updated proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. media Axios reported on Tuesday, citing a U.S. official.
Washington hopes the new proposal will "create a pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations," the U.S. official was quoted as saying.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Zelensky in recent days, accusing him of hindering peace efforts. On Monday, Trump said Zelensky should have settled the conflict long ago and suggested replacing him as Ukraine's chief negotiator. ■