The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Ukraine to broker a peace deal ending the conflict with Russia, as President Donald Trump becomes increasingly frustrated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz expressed Trump’s impatience with Zelenskyy and highlighted the importance of bringing an end to the ongoing war. Vice President JD Vance defended the administration’s decision to meet with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the necessity of communication with all parties involved in the conflict. The U.S. remains committed to finding ways to establish sustainable peace and is engaging in discussions with both Ukraine and Russia.
Meetings between U.S. officials and Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia sparked tension between Trump and Zelenskyy, with both leaders exchanging insults. Zelenskyy accused Trump of perpetuating Russian disinformation, while Trump criticized Zelenskyy and labeled him a dictator. Despite the war of words, the U.S. is looking to wind down the conflict in Ukraine and has expressed interest in giving way to some of Russia’s demands for a peace agreement. Russia currently controls approximately 18% of Ukraine’s territory, prompting discussions about the realistic possibility of Ukraine regaining its pre-war borders with Russia.
The U.S. engaged in negotiations with Russian officials in an effort to end the conflict in Ukraine, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and others meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin’s foreign affairs advisor in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Zelenskyy expressed frustration that Ukraine was not invited to the meeting and reiterated that Kyiv would not agree to a peace negotiation without its input. The U.S. has suggested backing holding an election in Ukraine, a key condition for Russia to agree to a peace deal, but challenges remain as Ukraine has been under martial law since February 2022.
According to Trump’s former deputy National Security Advisor K.T. McFarland, Zelenskyy may have little choice but to give in to concessions in order to keep Ukraine safe in the long term. McFarland emphasized the importance of finding a resolution to the conflict and criticized Zelenskyy for potentially rejecting any deal with Russia or America. Trump has vowed to work towards ending the conflict if re-elected in 2024, as pressure mounts on Ukraine to reach a peace agreement with Russia. The U.S. is committed to supporting Ukraine in understanding the need to end the war and is engaging in diplomatic efforts to facilitate a resolution.
