Trump says he'll meet with Putin on Ukraine war "as soon as we can," amid low hopes for Ukraine-Russia talks

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — President Trump said Friday that he's moving to set up direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as soon as he can, after Putin opted to skip peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey.

"I think it's time for us to just do it," Mr. Trump told reporters as he wrapped a four-day visit to the Middle East. Later, he told reporters on Air Force One, setting off on the journey back to Washington, that he might call Putin soon.

"He and I will meet, and I think we'll solve it or maybe not," Mr. Trump said. "At least we'll know. And if we don't solve it, it'll be very interesting."