What diplomatic approach does Trump suggest was missing regarding Ukraine?

Trump suggests that a crucial diplomatic opportunity was missed before the Ukraine conflict escalated. He emphasizes that someone should have engaged in negotiations and made a deal "a long time ago" to prevent the current situation, noting there was "no talk of this during the Trump administration." He implies that proactive diplomatic engagement could have averted the crisis, suggesting Putin would have "never, ever done it" if proper negotiations had taken place earlier. This reflects Trump's belief in deal-making as a preventative approach to international conflicts.