Trump’s lead envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Steve Witkoff, has had similar moments of confusion. In an interview in March, he could not name the regions over which the war is being fought. “These so-called four regions,” he said, struggling to recall them. “Donbas, Crimea... You know the names.”

United States President Donald Trump on Friday, May 23, reacted to a recent development between Russia and Ukraine, announcing on social media that a “major prisoner swap” had been completed. Donald Trump also congratulated both sides on the negotiation,