Donald Trump is pushing Ukraine to negotiate a peace deal as signs emerge that Russia may accept a temporary truce under specific conditions. His approach marks a sharp reversal of previous U.S. policy, favoring diplomacy with Moscow over military support for Kyiv.

“We’re doing very well with Russia,” Trump said Friday, acknowledging difficulties in dealing with Ukraine. His administration is reportedly exploring ways to ease sanctions on Russia, including oil price caps.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Ukrainian officials will meet Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to mend strained ties and possibly restore military aid, which Trump suspended after a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Feb. 28.

Moscow has signaled openness to a short-term ceasefire but insists on defining principles for a final peace deal, including which countries would oversee a potential peacekeeping mission. However, Russian forces have intensified attacks across Ukraine, striking key infrastructure.

Despite Trump’s claims that Vladimir Putin wants peace, the former U.S. president simultaneously threatened Russia with additional sanctions if negotiations stall. The extent of such measures remains unclear given the existing heavy restrictions on Moscow.

Since taking office, Trump has upended America’s Ukraine policy—halting intelligence-sharing, pausing aid, and withdrawing support for Kyiv’s NATO ambitions. European allies, alarmed by these shifts, remain committed to existing sanctions.

Trump and Putin have agreed to a future summit, though no date is set. In the meantime, Trump’s team is working on a ceasefire framework. Zelenskiy, in a conciliatory move, affirmed Ukraine’s willingness to engage constructively with Washington.

However, Russia remains firm, rejecting a Franco-British proposal for a one-month truce and insisting on long-term security guarantees. With Ukraine’s future at stake, the outcome of Tuesday’s Saudi Arabia talks could define the next phase of the war.

Donald Trump is pushing Ukraine to negotiate a peace deal as signs emerge that Russia may accept a temporary truce under specific conditions. His approach marks a sharp reversal of previous U.S. policy, favoring diplomacy with Moscow over military support for Kyiv.

“We’re doing very well with Russia,” Trump said Friday, acknowledging difficulties in dealing with Ukraine. His administration is reportedly exploring ways to ease sanctions on Russia, including oil price caps.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Ukrainian officials will meet Tuesday in Saudi Arabia to mend strained ties and possibly restore military aid, which Trump suspended after a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Feb. 28.

Moscow has signaled openness to a short-term ceasefire but insists on defining principles for a final peace deal, including which countries would oversee a potential peacekeeping mission. However, Russian forces have intensified attacks across Ukraine, striking key infrastructure.

Despite Trump’s claims that Vladimir Putin wants peace, the former U.S. president simultaneously threatened Russia with additional sanctions if negotiations stall. The extent of such measures remains unclear given the existing heavy restrictions on Moscow.

Since taking office, Trump has upended America’s Ukraine policy—halting intelligence-sharing, pausing aid, and withdrawing support for Kyiv’s NATO ambitions. European allies, alarmed by these shifts, remain committed to existing sanctions.

Trump and Putin have agreed to a future summit, though no date is set. In the meantime, Trump’s team is working on a ceasefire framework. Zelenskiy, in a conciliatory move, affirmed Ukraine’s willingness to engage constructively with Washington.

However, Russia remains firm, rejecting a Franco-British proposal for a one-month truce and insisting on long-term security guarantees. With Ukraine’s future at stake, the outcome of Tuesday’s Saudi Arabia talks could define the next phase of the war.