Trump says US will trade with Russia 'when the war ends' amid Alaska LNG reports

President Donald Trump said Saturday (local time) that the United States would pursue economic cooperation with Russia once the war in Ukraine ends, as questions swirl over Russia's potential involvement in the Alaska liquefied natural gas project.

Trump's remarks drew attention amid recent reports that Washington and Moscow had discussed cooperation on Alaska LNG development as part of ongoing truce negotiations.

Speaking to reporters after casting his early vote at a polling station in Palm Beach County, Florida, Trump said, "We want Russia and Ukraine to reach an agreement so we can get back to normal and do business with both sides," according to Yonhap and the White House press pool.

"When the war is over, we will certainly do business with both Ukraine and Russia," he said.

Trump did not, however, directly address Russia's potential investment in the Alaska LNG project. The New York Times recently reported that the two countries had discussed cooperation on the Alaska LNG development project during Ukraine truce negotiations.

According to The New York Times, a sanctioned Russian energy company has been secretly funding the Alaska LNG development project. There are also indications that Russia is seeking sanctions relief in exchange for providing technology and financing.

Trump also highlighted the role of his wife, Melania, in connection with a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine in the southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky.

He said Melania had spoken by phone with the leaders of both countries, praising her as doing "better than our experts." Trump also left open the possibility of a future visit by Melania to Ukraine.