As discussions for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict take place between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia, let’s take a closer look at the key developments following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
US Pressure on Moscow
On his inauguration day, President Trump remarked that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, “should make a deal” with Ukraine, highlighting the potential consequences of inaction. He stated, “I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal.”
During his campaign, President Trump promised a swift resolution to the war, claiming he could end it “in 24 hours.” However, he later acknowledged that solving this conflict could take considerably longer.
By January 24, President Putin expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with President Trump. Nonetheless, Ukraine issued warnings against any agreements made solely between the US and Russia, deeming such actions as undermining the interests of Ukraine and Europe.
Negotiating Strategic Minerals
In early February, President Trump proposed a minerals deal that would provide the US with access to 50% of Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for economic and military support already extended to Ukraine. On February 15, however, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly declined the initial proposal, citing a lack of security guarantees for Ukraine.
A New Era of Cooperation?
Trump and Putin made headlines on February 12 when they agreed to initiate “immediate” talks aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis. However, the US government characterized Ukraine’s desire to rejoin NATO and restore its borders as unrealistic. In response, President Zelensky urged European allies to refrain from approving any agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement.
On February 18, the foreign ministers of the US and Russia met in Riyadh, marking the first high-level talks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The Trump-Zelensky Tension
The relationship between President Trump and President Zelensky became strained on February 19 when Trump publicly disparaged Zelensky, even labeling him a “dictator” and echoing Kremlin narratives regarding the conflict. This clash escalated when Zelensky visited Washington on February 28 to advance discussions on the minerals deal.
During a highly publicized meeting at the White House, Trump accused Zelensky of “disrespecting” the US and suggested he was “gambling with World War III,” asserting that failing to reach a peace agreement with Russia could result in dire consequences.
Suspension of Military Aid
On March 3, President Trump made the controversial move of suspending military aid to Ukraine and halting intelligence sharing with Russia concerning Ukrainian positions. In this challenging environment, Zelensky attempted to extend conciliatory gestures towards the US leadership.
Meanwhile, the European Union approved a substantial plan on March 6 aimed at mobilizing up to €800 billion over four years to enhance European security and provide support to Ukraine.
Progress Towards a Ceasefire
On March 11, in light of ongoing struggles on the frontlines, Ukraine and the US agreed to a 30-day ceasefire plan with Russia. Consequently, military aid restrictions were lifted, and both sides committed to resolving discussions around Ukrainian minerals promptly.
As Russian forces reclaimed territory at an alarming rate in the Kursk region, the situation remained fluid and precarious.
Putin’s Conditions
In a phone call on March 18, Trump and Putin laid the groundwork for a 30-day pause on Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and initiated “immediate” negotiations to find an end to the war. Notably, while the discussions included an exchange of prisoners, a ceasefire was not on the table at this stage.
According to the Kremlin, Putin emphasized the necessity for the West to cease supplies of arms to Ukraine, as well as to terminate economic assistance. As both sides continued to exchange hostilities, US-led negotiations with Russia commenced in Saudi Arabia, following a preparatory meeting between US and Ukrainian officials.
The Kremlin cautioned that these negotiations could prove “difficult,” suggesting a long and winding road ahead for peace.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
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