Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Ukraine would participate in peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking at a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, Trump emphasized Ukraine's inclusion in the talks, stating, "They're part of it. We would have Ukraine, and we have Russia, and we'll have other people involved, a lot of people."

According to Namibia Press Agency, Trump attributed part of the conflict's origin to Ukraine's potential NATO membership, a prospect that Russia has long opposed. "From day one ... they've said they cannot have Ukraine be in NATO. They said that very strongly," Trump remarked, suggesting that this opposition contributed to the conflict's inception.

Trump revealed that U.S. and Russian officials are set to meet in Munich, Germany, on Friday, with Ukraine also invited to participate. He further mentioned that high-ranking officials, though not the leaders, from Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. would converge in Saudi Arabia next week to work towards ending the conflict.

The President expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching an agreement, noting his interactions with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We're working with (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and with (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, and my impression is that ... I know that President Zelensky wants to make a deal, and I also feel that I know that President Putin wants to make a deal," Trump stated.