President Donald Trump said it would be up to Ukraine to decide on territorial swaps with Russia. Ahead of his Friday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump made clear he would not negotiate on behalf of Ukraine but aimed to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

Trump said his goal was to get the two sides to start a negotiation, with any territorial swaps to be addressed then. “They’ll be discussed, but I’ve got to let Ukraine make that decision, and I think they’ll make a proper decision. But I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

His remarks may provide reassurance to Ukraine, which is concerned that U.S.-Russia talks could freeze the conflict in a way unfavourable to Kyiv.

Trump suggested that the Russian offensive in Ukraine is likely designed to strengthen Putin’s position in any negotiations to end the war. “I think they’re trying to negotiate. He’s trying to set a stage. In his mind that helps him make a better deal. It actually hurts him, but in his mind that helps him make a better deal if they can continue the killing,” he said.

The president expressed optimism that his meeting with Putin would yield results, considering the stakes involved and the weakness of the Russian economy. “He’s a smart guy, been doing it for a long time but so have I … we get along, there’s a good respect level on both sides, and I think, you know, something’s going to come of it,” he said.

Trump also welcomed the fact that Putin was bringing business executives from Russia but stressed that no agreements would be made until the war is resolved. “I like that ’cause they want to do business, but they’re not doing business until we get the war settled,” he said.