Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., told Newsmax on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at his meeting with President Donald Trump expecting to discuss business deals, but Trump held firm, insisting that no talks on trade could begin until Russia agreed to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Van Orden said Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska showed both U.S. military strength and Trump’s determination to secure peace before any economic discussions.

“Well, here’s the top-line thoughts you just witnessed. What 77 million Americans voted for and what the entire world collectively has been praying for. And that’s progress towards peace. A peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian war,” Van Orden said Friday on Newsmax’s “Rob Schmitt Tonight.”

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