Ukraine believes it has secured support from US President Donald Trump for a strategy aimed at increasing pressure on Russia and pushing Moscow toward meaningful negotiations.

Axar.az reports, citing the Kyiv Independent, a senior Ukrainian official said Trump privately encouraged President Volodymyr Zelensky to act “more boldly” toward Russia, adding that the US president no longer believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to serious talks without pressure.

“Trump says he doesn't really believe (Vladimir) Putin will do anything without pressure,” the Ukrainian official said.

US officials did not confirm whether Trump explicitly supports Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory but said the president believes in a policy of strength.

“President (Trump) believes in peace through strength,” one US official said.

The comments come as Kyiv continues efforts to arrange direct talks between Zelensky and Putin. Ukraine has proposed that Trump host a summit between the two leaders in the United States, an idea Ukrainian officials said Trump welcomed.

“(Zelensky) suggested to Trump that he bring Putin to America, and that would be perfect,” a Ukrainian official said. “Donald liked the idea.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified attacks on targets inside Russia as part of what Kyiv describes as a pressure campaign to force the Kremlin into negotiations. Moscow has continued rejecting calls for a neutral location meeting, insisting that any talks take place in Russia.

During recent discussions, Zelensky also raised Ukraine’s need for additional air defense capabilities and sought US support for licensed production of Patriot missile systems. Trump said his administration would “take a look” at the proposal.

“Russia should make a deal,” Trump said during the G7 summit.