WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that Ukraine would be involved in peace negotiations with Russia over ending the conflict between the two countries.

"They're part of it. We would have Ukraine, and we have Russia, and we'll have other people involved, a lot of people," Trump told a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House.

Trump attributes the origins of the Ukraine conflict partly to Ukraine's potential NATO membership, which Russia had long opposed.

"From day one ... they've said they cannot have Ukraine be in NATO. They said that very strongly," Trump said, adding that, "I actually think that that was the thing that caused the start" of the conflict.

Trump said U.S. and Russian officials would meet in Munich, Germany, on Friday and that Ukraine was also invited.

Trump also mentioned to reporters that high-ranking officials, though not the leaders, from all three countries would meet in Saudi Arabia next week to work toward ending the conflict.

"We're working with (Ukrainian) President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and with (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin, and my impression is that ... I know that President Zelensky wants to make a deal, and I also feel that I know that President Putin wants to make a deal," Trump said. Enditem

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