Trump Comments on Russia’s Hesitation in Ukraine Peace Efforts

President Trump believes Russia seeks to end the war in Ukraine but may be delaying action. Negotiations in Saudi Arabia led to a potential agreement to halt military operations in the Black Sea, contingent on lifting sanctions. Trump’s administration is evaluating Russia’s conditions for these discussions, which could signify a step toward peace despite not achieving a full ceasefire.

In a recent interview with Newsmax, US President Donald Trump stated that he believes Russia is interested in concluding its conflict with Ukraine, although they may be hesitant to act promptly. He remarked, “I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they’re dragging their feet.” Trump also expressed his belief that Ukrainian President Zelensky shares a similar desire to see the conflict resolved.

Trump’s comments followed Russia’s announcement that it would only consider implementing a US-brokered agreement to cease hostilities in the Black Sea after lifting sanctions imposed on its financial institutions due to its actions in Ukraine. In the negotiations held in Saudi Arabia, it was reported that both Ukrainian and Russian representatives reached an understanding to promote safe navigation and prevent military actions involving commercial vessels in the region.

While President Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s commitment to halt military operations in the Black Sea, the Kremlin emphasized that the agreement was contingent upon various conditions. These included lifting sanctions on agricultural banks and facilitating their reintegration into the international SWIFT payments system for food exports.

President Trump indicated that his administration is currently reviewing Russia’s conditions, stating, “We’re thinking about all of them right now. There are five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them.” US and Ukrainian officials view this deal to cease strikes in the Black Sea as a potential step toward progress, despite it not meeting the earlier proposed timeline for a full ceasefire.

President Trump’s remarks suggest Russia is interested in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine but may be slow to take decisive actions. The progress made during talks in Saudi Arabia has resulted in agreements on safe navigation and a halt to military actions in the Black Sea, though these depend on significant concessions from Russia. Ongoing assessments of conditions could influence the outcome of further negotiations.

Original Source: www.cnn.com