Mullin says to 'trust the process' in Trump’s Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) says he thinks people need to “trust the process” in President Trump’s peace talks with Russian and Ukrainian leaders.

“Right now, people are dying every single day. We do know we have the best negotiator possible in the White House,” Mullin said Sunday on ABC News’s “This Week.” “I mean, literally, President Trump wrote ‘The Art of the Deal.’ He knows how to negotiate.”

“And I believe if we will trust the process, he will be able to negotiate a peace deal for both countries,” he added.

Mullin’s comments come just days after Trump separately called Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The conversations caused concern as Trump called Putin before the Ukrainian president, later telling reporters they had a “lengthy and highly productive” call about “working together.”

Trump also notably would not say whether he considers Ukraine to be an “equal member” of efforts to end the war. He later called Zelensky, who said it was “not pleasant” that Trump first called Putin.

A Russian spokesperson noted that no decisions have been made in terms of negotiating but said the U.S. is its “main counterpart” in the forthcoming ceasefire talks.

On Sunday, Mullin said he thinks what Trump is doing is “really smart” in talking with both leaders and having his administration navigate the discussions. He defended Trump’s actions and the hesitancy about moving forward too quickly.

“A lot of times if you bring people to the table too fast … it’ll blow up, they’ll walk away, and you’ll set back the talks for maybe six months,” Mullin said.

Topics

Trump Says Ukraine Will Not Be Sidelined in Peace Talks With Russia

Asked whether Ukraine would be part of the negotiations, the president said on Thursday, “Of course they would.” A day earlier, he had suggested otherwise, and appeared ready to make concessions ...
The New York Times - 5d
Russia says US 'our main counterpart' in peace talks, sidelining Ukraine

Russia said Thursday that the United States will be its “main counterpart” in forthcoming peace talks to end its invasion of Ukraine, sidelining Kyiv in the negotiations. “We, of course, understand ...
The Hill - 6d
Zelenskyy says he won't accept peace deal negotiated without Ukraine, urges Trump not to trust Putin

In an interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy laid out his vision for ending the war in his country in partnership with President Donald Trump — making ...
NBC News - 3d
Trump on whether Ukraine, Russia are equal in peace talks: 'It's an interesting question'

President Trump on Wednesday would not say whether he considers Ukraine to be an “equal member” of efforts to end the war between Moscow and Kyiv, as his administration pushes for negotiations ...
The Hill - Feb. 12
Trump takes questions on Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Oval Office

President Trump took questions from reporters Wednesday at the swearing-in of his newly confirmed director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Trump said he will probably meet with Russian ...
CBS News - Feb. 12
As Ukraine Presses for Role in Russia Peace Talks, Trump Offers Reassurances

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and European defense ministers had expressed concern that they might not be present for talks between President Trump and Russia’s leader to end the war.
The New York Times - 6d
Trump criticizes Ukraine after U.S.-Russia peace talks

President Trump signed executive orders and took questions from the press at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday. Mr. Trump made disparaging remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he ...
CBS News - 1d
Trump Says Peace Talks Over Ukraine War Will Begin Immediately

After separate phone conversations with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, President Trump says peace talks to end the Ukraine War will begin immediately. It follows the ...
NBC News - Feb. 13
Hegseth says "everything is on the table" for Ukraine peace talks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday clarified comments he made that it is unrealistic for Ukraine to have pre-2014 borders and become a member of NATO. Sabrina Singh, who served as deputy ...
CBS News - 6d

More from The Hill

Rep. Don Bacon says Trump 'wrong' to call Zelensky a dictator

Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said President Trump was “wrong” to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a dictator on Wednesday and for appearing to be “standing on the side” of Russian President ...
The Hill - 2h
Trump says federal government should 'take over' DC

President Trump on Wednesday said the federal government should "take over the governance" of Washington, D.C. "I think that we should govern the District of Columbia," Trump told reporters aboard ...
The Hill - 3h
Trump signs order targeting any federal benefits going to those in the country illegally

President Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order intended to identify and eliminate any federal financial benefits going to immigrants who entered the country illegally, something already ...
The Hill - 3h
Appeals court won’t immediately revive Trump’s birthright citizenship order

A federal appeals court Wednesday evening declined the Trump administration’s request to partially revive the president’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship. The Justice Department ...
The Hill - 3h
Senate GOP dismayed by Trump, Zelensky war of words

{beacon} Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story Senate GOP dismayed by Trump, Zelensky war of words Public ...
The Hill - 3h