Trump Pressures Putin Amid Ukraine Talks
The Kremlin has confirmed ongoing discussions with the United States regarding a potential peace settlement in Ukraine, despite recent tensions between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump expressed frustration over Putin's remarks questioning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's leadership, calling them "disappointing" and "unhelpful."
In an interview with NBC News, Trump warned of imposing secondary tariffs on Russian oil exports, ranging from 25% to 50%, if Moscow obstructs peace efforts. He stated, "If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault, I will act decisively."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the complexity of the peace process, describing it as "time-consuming" but emphasised that discussions are ongoing. He added that Putin remains open to dialogue with Trump, although no immediate meetings are scheduled.
The conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2022, has seen limited progress towards a ceasefire. While Trump has positioned himself as a peacemaker, his comments reflect growing impatience with the lack of tangible outcomes. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine's commitment to resisting Russian aggression, urging international pressure on Moscow.
The situation remains precarious, with both nations exploring diplomatic avenues amidst heightened tensions. Observers note that the success of these efforts will depend on mutual concessions and sustained international engagement.
