Trump Optimistic on Potential Russia-Ukraine Deal This Week

On Sunday, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Russia and Ukraine could finalize a peace agreement within the week, suggesting this would open up significant business opportunities with the United States, according to AFP.

“I hope Russia and Ukraine can strike a deal this week,” Trump shared on Truth Social. “Both countries will then be able to engage in substantial business with the thriving United States, making a lot of money.”

Trump’s comments followed a warning issued on April 18, where he stated that the U.S. would withdraw from negotiations if either party made discussions challenging. “If one of the parties complicates things… we will simply pass,” he indicated.

These statements were made during an Easter ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine reported over 2,000 breaches of the truce, proposing a 30-day ban on long-range assaults, to which the Kremlin has yet to respond.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky dismissed the ceasefire as a mere “publicity stunt” meant to please Trump. On the other hand, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that Washington might reconsider its involvement if no advancements are made.

The Trump administration has consistently highlighted economic incentives in its mediation attempts. Following a March call with Putin, the White House emphasized the potential for “massive economic agreements” between the U.S. and Russia.

Additionally, Trump is supporting a minerals agreement with Ukraine that provides the U.S. with wide access to the country’s natural resource revenues in exchange for previous military assistance, though it does not include security guarantees.