WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Sunday regarding the potential for economic partnerships between Russia and Ukraine and the United States, contingent upon a peace agreement being reached this week.
“Hopefully, Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Both will then start to do big business with the United States of America, which is thriving, and make a fortune.”
His remarks came in the context of a threat to reduce US involvement in the peace negotiations if significant progress is not made. Trump criticized any parties impeding the talks, stating, “You’re foolish, you’re fools, you’re horrible people.”
The comments emerged during a ceasefire that Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced for the Easter weekend, which Ukrainian officials claimed was violated over 2,000 times.
In response to these violations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested extending the ceasefire by 30 days to focus on mitigating missile and drone strikes, though no response from the Kremlin has been reported.
European leaders expressed skepticism about Russia’s sincerity in the truce; Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky referred to it as a “media stunt” possibly aimed at appeasing Trump.
Furthermore, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the US might withdraw from the negotiations if a resolution isn’t reached soon.
Trump’s foreign policy has consistently emphasized business interests, with the current administration exploring “enormous economic deals” with both Russia and Ukraine, including a partnership allowing the US access to valuable Ukrainian natural resources.
