Trump Foresees Agreement, Eyes US “Fortune”

Donald Trump stated on Sunday his expectation that Russia and Ukraine will reach an agreement this week, possibly leading to lucrative opportunities for the United States. This follows a brief, largely unsuccessful ceasefire over the weekend.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump asserted:

I hope Russia and Ukraine reach an agreement this week. Then both will begin to do great business with the United States of America, who are thriving, and will make a fortune!

Trump’s statement implies a potential shift in US foreign policy, prioritizing economic gains alongside conflict resolution. This approach contrasts with the current administration’s focus on humanitarian aid and military support for Ukraine.

Mediation Threat and Shifting US Stance?

Trump also hinted at potential US intervention if negotiations stall, stating he would mediate if no progress is made soon. This comes as he approaches his 100th day in office, a period during which he pledged to resolve the conflict.

Adding to the uncertainty, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly suggested in Paris that Washington might reduce its involvement if progress isn’t achieved soon. The implications of this statement, particularly regarding continued military aid to Kyiv, remain unclear. This potential shift in US policy raises concerns among European allies and within Ukraine itself.

Easter Truce: A Diplomatic Maneuver?

The pascual truce, a short ceasefire over the Easter weekend, saw limited success, with both sides accusing each other of violations. While a decrease in overall activity was noted in some areas, the truce ultimately failed to hold.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov informed Tass, the Russian news agency, that Moscow had no intention of extending the ceasefire, despite a proposal from Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski for a 30-day extension.

Some analysts believe the truce was primarily a diplomatic game aimed at bolstering each side’s image as a proponent of peace,particularly in relation to Trump’s pronouncements. This suggests a complex interplay of political maneuvering and genuine efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Energy Truce Ends Without Renewal

Adding another layer of complexity, a 30-day energy truce between Russia and Ukraine also concluded this week without either party advocating for its extension. this highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving lasting agreements in key sectors.