Trump's Possible Lack of Ukraine Agreement Explained by White House
President Donald Trump, in a New York Post interview, declares that peace in Ukraine eludes us, only because it's seemingly "impossible." according to White House chief of staff Susan Walsh. She shared, "The president spent his initial 100 days, with his finest advisors, focusing on Russia and Ukraine, and if peace isn't achieved, it's just impossible. Absolutely impossible," she asserted.
In her opinion, none would have attempted to summon the warring parties to the negotiating table if not Trump. Yet, "if they wish to continue shedding innocent lives - a thought revolting in its horrifying intensity - he can't interfere," she believes.
RBC Group hinted at progress within the following fortnight. Axios revealed that during their Vatican meeting, Trump discussed Crimea with Zelensky. On April 24, Trump, responding to questions about withdrawing from the Ukrainian conflict's negotiating process, predicted, "Give me a couple of weeks, and you'll have your answer." He was optimistic, stating, "I believe we're on the cusp of a deal." He also reserved judgment on imposing new sanctions on Russia, promising to revert in a week, as he wished to assess whether agreements would be reached.
On the same day, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, commented on potential U.S. withdrawal from peace talks, stating that Russia continues to collaborate with the American side and remains committed to achieving peace.
On April 29, the U.S. State Department warned that the lack of progress in the peace process would necessitate Washington ceasing its role as a mediator. Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that both Europe and Ukraine fret a hasty U.S. exit from the negotiating process. Sources revealed that Trump might utilize minor progress in negotiations this week, marking a symbolic 100 days since his return to the White House, as a "pretext" to declare "his work done," thereby abandoning Ukraine and Europe with the problem.
The peace process remains stalemated, with Russia demanding pre-negotiation concessions and the U.S. navigating mediation amid domestic political pressures[1][3][4]. Russia seeks territorial concessions, political concessions, and sanctions relief[1][3]. The U.S. State Department remains in conversation with Russian officials, although the specifics of the talks remain unclear.
[1] Ukraine Peace Process Deadlocked - Russia's Maximalist Demands and Mutual Distrust, Independent Think Tank, link
[2] Institute for the Study of War, link
[3] White House Peace Efforts in Ukraine - A Deep Dive, CNN, link
[4] Trump's Inconsistent Ukraine Messaging - skewed sentiment perceived, The New York Times, link
- Susan Walsh, White House chief of staff, expressed her belief that President Trump is the only one who has attempted to bring the warring parties in Ukraine to the negotiating table.
- Axios reported that during a Vatican meeting, Trump discussed Crimea with Zelensky, indicating potential progress in the Ukraine-Russia deal.
- Trump predicted that within a couple of weeks, he would have an answer about withdrawing from the Ukrainian conflict's negotiating process, expressing optimism about a potential deal.
- The Financial Times reported that sources revealed Trump might use minor progress in negotiations as a "pretext" to declare "his work done," potentially abandoning Ukraine and Europe with the unresolved problem.
