US President Donald Trump has suggested an agreement with Russia's Vladimir Putin is imminent, describing it as a "big beautiful agreement" that will "involve all of Europe." The remarks came during an impromptu exchange with reporters shortly after he signed an executive order designating the Oval Office as a national monument.
Trump claims progress on Russia-Ukraine settlement
When asked about a meeting with the Russian envoy, who attended a peace summit hosted by First Lady Melania Trump alongside Ukrainian officials, Trump said: "I think we're going to be close to settling Russia and Ukraine."
He continued: "I can't tell you what we discussed. But I'm just telling you there's going to be an agreement, it's going to be a big agreement, and it's going to involve more than Ukraine. I could even say it's going to involve all of Europe. It's going to be a big beautiful agreement and everyone's going to be thrilled."
Trump did not meet with Ukrainian representatives, according to The Mirror.
Oval Office designated as national monument
The comments came after Trump signed an executive order to designate the Oval Office as a national monument, meaning future physical changes to the room would require congressional approval.
Trump explained: "So if they want to say 'let's not have Oval anymore, let's make it square', what happens is they have to go back to Congress, and hopefully the Congress... will be smart enough not to let that happen."
He added: "I'm going to be signing a document which will make them into a landmark for the ages. It won't be able to be taken down, destroyed, touched, or anything else. It's a federal landmark. And when completed, and when we get the documentation fully done, legally binding, it'll make it impossible for anybody ever to destroy this incredible space."
Renovations and 'Presidential Walk Of Fame'
During his second term, Trump has renovated the Oval Office with gold trinkets, gold medallions and gold-coloured mouldings on the walls. Outside, 'The Oval Office' has been painted on the wall in gold cursive script.
In the walkway, he has created a "Presidential Walk Of Fame" featuring photographs of every US president with descriptions underneath, except for Joe Biden, where a photograph of an autopen hangs instead.
