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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is eager to engage with U.S. President Donald Trump to establish a dialogue concerning Ukraine, especially prior to any potential meeting Trump might have with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with Reuters, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Ukraine being included in discussions rather than allowing it to seem as though matters regarding his country are being decided without its participation.
Since Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022, U.S. backing has been crucial for Ukraine’s defense efforts. This support came during Joe Biden’s presidency, and as Trump resumes his role, there is uncertainty regarding how U.S. foreign policy might shift. Some Trump administration officials have hinted at reinforcing sanctions against Russia, while others have suggested a limited outlook on Ukraine’s territorial recovery.
During his campaign, Trump often asserted he could resolve the Ukraine conflict swiftly, claiming that under his leadership, peace could be restored in a matter of hours. However, over two weeks into his current term, no such resolution has been realized, leaving questions about his actual strategies to negotiate an end to hostilities.
John Herbst, a former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, expressed a degree of hope that the Trump administration might facilitate a “sustainable peace,” although he acknowledged that this may not necessarily entail the complete return of territories occupied by Russia. He remarked that the focus would likely be on achieving stability rather than justice for Ukraine.
Trump’s Plans for Dialogue
In Washington, Trump indicated a likelihood of meeting with Zelenskyy within the week, although the format of the meeting—whether in-person or virtual—remains unspecified. Trump clarified that he would not be making a trip to Ukraine.
During a joint press appearance with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump mentioned his intention to meet with Putin, referencing the positive rapport he believes exists between them. The Kremlin has since suggested that the timing of any discussions with Trump will require patience.
WATCH | A lack of clarity on Trump’s end-the-war plans:
There is insufficient clarity surrounding Trump’s proposals for ending the conflict in Ukraine.
It is anticipated that discussions between Trump and Zelenskyy will touch upon Trump’s objective for a quicker resolution to the war. The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia is open to negotiations, reiterating the necessity for any settlement to be reached through dialogue.
Resource Talks and Support Conditions
Recent developments indicate that Trump has proposed an arrangement wherein Ukraine would supply the U.S. with rare earth minerals as part of its payment for military and logistical support. This concept was initially brought to Trump’s attention last year, and Zelenskyy has expressed a willingness to discuss this arrangement provided that security assurances are included.
Zelenskyy pointed out that less than 20 percent of Ukraine’s mineral resources, including a significant portion of its rare earth deposits, are currently under Russian control.
Addressing the Human Impact
The conflict has remained severe since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, which President Putin framed as a “special military operation.” Despite Russia occupying around one-fifth of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government in Kyiv has endured. The conflict has led to tragic losses. Zelenskyy has cited over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers dead under arms, while the United Nations has reported more than 12,500 civilian casualties since the full-scale invasion began.
The actual toll might surpass these figures; however, the human cost of the war remains a critical point. Trump has previously highlighted these humanitarian concerns, expressing a desire for the conflict to end on moral grounds. He stated, “I’d like to see it end, just on a human basis. It’s a ridiculous war.”
Source
www.cbc.ca