US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that Russia and Ukraine will reach a deal to end their war, saying Washington could resume business with both countries once the conflict is over. First Lady Melania Trump also referred to October 27 as the start of a ceasefire, expressing hope that the plan would proceed as expected.

Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters after voting alongside Melania in Palm Beach, Florida. He said an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv could open the way for the US to establish business ties with both nations after the fighting ends.

The comments come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain in focus. Trump did not provide further details about what a potential post-war business arrangement with either country would involve.

Melania Trump welcomed support from the Vatican for efforts surrounding the conflict and referred to October 27 as the date on which Russia and Ukraine would begin a ceasefire.

She also said there had been discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that agreements had been signed. She expressed hope that events would unfold according to plan.

Trump praised his wife's involvement in the diplomatic efforts, saying he believed she was doing better than professional figures working on the issue.

Trump raises corruption allegations against Democrats

The US president also turned to domestic politics, accusing Democrats of corruption in several American cities and states, including Minnesota, Los Angeles and New York.

He further alleged that election discrepancies had been identified and made claims about potentially large numbers of illicit votes. 

The comments came as the United States approached its midterm elections, which determine control of Congress. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and roughly one-third of the Senate seats are contested during the elections, making them a major test of the political climate midway through a presidential term.

With ANI inputs