Bangladesh, May 16 -- Amid renewed calls for a negotiated settlement to the ongoing war in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has signaled a strong willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin “as soon as it can be set up.” Speaking to reporters during a stop in the United Arab Emirates on May 16, part of his Middle East tour, Trump emphasized his intention to intervene diplomatically and reinvigorate the stalled peace process between Moscow and Kiev.

“Were going to get it done,” Trump declared when pressed on whether a meeting with Putin was imminent. “Its time for us to just do it.” He added that while the world is already a “much safer place,” the situation could improve dramatic...