Trump Urges High-Level Ukraine-Russia Talks for Peace Deal

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    Amid heightened tensions, President Donald Trump has called for high-level discussions between Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that an agreement to end the protracted conflict, which has lasted three years, could soon come to fruition. In a statement posted on Truth Social shortly after arriving in Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump indicated positive progress following a meeting between his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

    “They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to ‘finish it off,’” Trump wrote. He urged the cessation of hostilities and pledged that the US would assist in any necessary capacity to conclude what he termed a “cruel and senseless war.” Trump has recently made comments suggesting that Crimea, a region Ukraine lost to Russia in 2014, should remain under Russian control, reflecting his approach of urging Ukraine towards making concessions to achieve peace despite ongoing conflict.

    Trump also pushed for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to swiftly sign a long-awaited agreement allowing U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, as part of efforts to bring an end to the conflict. Yet, despite these declared advancements, tangible progress has often remained out of reach since Trump’s return to leadership, and previous claims of near victories have failed to materialize. The war rages on, with Russia continuing its campaign, most recently resulting in fatalities following a drone strike in southeastern Ukraine.

    Despite occasional criticisms of Putin, Trump has mostly concentrated on pressuring Zelenskyy to agree to terms unfavorable to Ukraine, like the retention of Crimea by Russia. During an interview, Trump reiterated that Russia has strong historical ties to Crimea. Conversely, Zelenskyy has consistently maintained that recognizing Ukrainian territories as Russian is unacceptable and reiterated this stance when asked about Trump’s comments.

    Russia annexed Crimea during Barack Obama’s presidency, long before the recent escalation of conflict in 2022. Trump has accused Zelenskyy of stalling the peace process, suggesting he’s resistant to negotiations. However, Western leaders contend that it is Putin prolonging the confrontation to gain more territory. The U.S. administration pondered a strategic pivot, hinting that without a swift settlement, they might reconsider continued military aid to Ukraine.

    There’s no set deadline for peace negotiations, Trump mentioned before his departure to Rome, asserting a desire for expedited talks. While in Rome, potential meetings with international leaders, including possibly Zelenskyy, were suggested. However, Zelenskyy noted that he might not reach the city in time for events surrounding the funeral.

    Witkoff’s discussions with Putin, held for a fourth time since February, were reported as constructive, focusing on reinitiating direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials. Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, aligned with Trump’s optimism but mentioned ongoing unresolved issues. Lavrov refrained from disclosing specific details in discussions broadcasted for future airing.

    Meanwhile, Russian strikes have continued and intensified. A deadly drone attack recently struck southeastern Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties. Officials reported extensive drone warfare, which not only decimated residences in places like Pavlohrad but also strained Ukrainian defensive positions along the expansive front lines. Despite a U.S.-proposed ceasefire agreement accepted by Ukraine weeks earlier, attacks have persisted, complicating diplomatic resolutions.