President Donald Trump said Wednesday Xi Jinping could have a "big influence" on Russia's Vladimir Putin over efforts to end the war in Ukraine, days ahead of a meeting scheduled between the US and Chinese leaders in South Korea.

"I think he can have a big influence on Putin... Look, he's a respected man. He's a very strong leader, very big country. Yeah, I think it can have a big influence. And we will certainly be talking about Russia, Ukraine," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump has counted on personal chemistry with Putin to reach a Ukraine peace deal, but has found himself frustrated time and again by the Russian leader.

The US president expressed irritation with Putin on Wednesday, telling journalists: "Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations, and t

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