I expect to receive Russia's response to my ceasefire proposal in Ukraine next week," President Trump stated during Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's visit to the White House. "We're making good progress in these efforts, but we want to get it done. We want to save lives. Imagine - an average of 2,500 people are dying weekly, mostly Russian and Ukrainian soldiers. If we can save those lives, it would be tremendously positive."

When asked about the expected timeline for Russian President Vladimir Putin's response, Trump added: "We'll see. We'll hear from them this week. But we want this [war] to stop. We want the dying and killing to end."

The President clarified he doesn't blame Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but remarked: "I'm not entirely happy this war started. It never would have happened under my presidency. Millions would still be alive today. Cities would be thriving."

Economic and Diplomatic Developments:
President Trump predicted Washington and Kyiv would sign a rare earth minerals agreement next Thursday, which he stated would compensate the U.S. for funds provided to Ukraine.

On trade policies, Trump noted: "We're collecting tremendous tariff revenues. We were treated extremely unfairly in trade. Countries are struggling to adjust because they can't exploit us anymore - we finally have a president who understands business fundamentals."

Administration Criticism:
The President lambasted the previous administration: "Their only skill was election fraud. They were incompetent - the worst administration in our nation's history."

Prime Minister Meloni's Remarks:
Meloni highlighted Italy-U.S. cooperation on:

• Combating illegal immigration (60% reduction in flows)

• Synthetic drug enforcement

• Defense, economic, space, and energy collaboration

• Plans to increase LNG and nuclear energy imports

"We've stood together for Ukraine's freedom," Meloni concluded. "Together, we can build a just, lasting peace. We support your efforts, Donald, to end this war."

Closing Exchange:
President Trump praised Meloni: "She's doing a tremendous job - caused quite a stir in Europe. Italy remains one of our greatest allies. Our relationship is fantastic."