Washington: White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt on Saturday indicated that US President Donald Trump is optimistic about brokering a deal with Russia to end the Ukraine conflict, with the possibility of concluding the three-year war as early as this week. Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn after attending the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Leavitt emphasized the administration's focus on negotiations with both parties involved in the conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Trump has expressed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "has no cards" to play and should not be included in future peace talks with international leaders. This statement has stirred discussions about the potential direction of upcoming negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

Leavitt further elaborated that US National Security Adviser Matt Waltz is dedicated to working tirelessly over the weekend to secure a deal. She also mentioned the involvement of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in discussions concerning a proposed agreement with Ukraine, focusing on the utilization of raw minerals. This aspect of the negotiation is seen as significant for the United States, with the potential to recover American tax dollars and foster an economic partnership with Ukraine as it seeks to rebuild after the war.