Bangladesh, Feb. 25 -- US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin treated him with “great respect” during a recent phone call, highlighting what he described as a shared desire to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The remarks have reignited debates over Trumps approach to Russia and its implications for both US foreign policy and the future of the Ukraine war.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, Trump emphasized the significance of his direct communication with Putin. “Before I came here, there was no communication with Russia whatsoever,” Trump stated. “But when I got here, one of the first calls I...