'First time in long time, we're maybe close to deal': Trump on Ukraine conflict

US President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday (local time) that the United States may be nearing a peace agreement regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, citing these sensitive, ongoing negotiations as his primary reason for refraining from imposing new sanctions on Moscow.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for South Carolina, Trump highlighted the delicate state of peace discussions, arguing that imposing additional economic penalties could derail diplomatic momentum.

"The other thing, very important: we're negotiating with Russia right now on Ukraine. We are maybe close to a deal. For the first time in a long time, we're maybe close to a deal. When you're close to a deal and you have very delicate negotiations, you don't put sanctions on," Trump said.