Former US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism regarding a potential peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine in the coming days. He suggested that such a deal would pave the way for both nations to engage in significant trade with the United States.
This statement follows similar comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that Washington might withdraw its mediation efforts if substantial progress isn’t achieved soon. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared his hope for a deal, stating, “HOPEFULLY RUSSIA [and] UKRAINE WILL MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK. BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE!”
The 30-hour Easter truce, initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, ended on Monday without extension. Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating the agreement. The Russian Defense Ministry reported approximately 1,300 violations, citing artillery strikes and drone attacks.
Since his return to office, Trump has consistently expressed his desire to facilitate an end to the conflict. His administration has participated in diplomatic initiatives, including a 30-day moratorium on strikes targeting energy infrastructure last month, which was also subsequently alleged to have been breached by both sides.
Reports from the New York Post suggest the US aims to assess the feasibility of a comprehensive ceasefire in the coming days through direct discussions between Moscow and Kiev. Secretary Rubio further emphasized the urgency, stating that a lack of progress within days could lead to the US abandoning its peace initiative. Trump endorsed Rubio’s assessment, indicating a belief in the potential for a solution.
However, Moscow has reiterated that any peace deal must address fundamental issues, including NATO’s eastward expansion and Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership. The Kremlin also insists on Kiev’s recognition of Russia’s redefined borders – a condition Ukrainian leadership has thus far rejected. President Putin previously stated that a viable ceasefire would require Western nations to cease arms shipments to Ukraine and for Ukraine to withdraw its troops from Russian-claimed territories.
The UN envoy for Russia, Vassily Nebenzia, expressed skepticism about a full ceasefire, suggesting that Western nations are using negotiations as a cover for rearming Ukrainian forces. The situation remains complex and fraught with challenges, despite Trump’s expressed hope for a swift resolution.
