President Trump suggested that Russia may be reluctant to expedite peace in the Ukraine conflict. He indicated that while negotiations have resulted in a preliminary agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, Russia’s acceptance hinges on the lifting of certain sanctions. U.S. officials are currently reviewing the conditions set forth by Russia as discussions progress.
In a recent interview with Newsmax, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Russia aims to conclude its conflict with Ukraine, albeit suggesting that Moscow might be “dragging its feet” in the process. Trump noted, “I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they’re dragging their feet. I’ve done it over the years.”
His remarks surfaced shortly after Russia announced its willingness to implement a U.S.-brokered agreement contingent upon lifting sanctions affecting its banks and exports since the invasion of Ukraine. Following negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, the White House confirmed the parties reached an agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and an agreement on a pause in attacks against energy infrastructure.
Nevertheless, President Zelensky of Ukraine acknowledged a commitment to refrain from military action in the Black Sea during a press conference. Concurrently, the Kremlin imposed conditions for agreeing to the partial truce, including the lifting of sanctions on its agricultural banking sector and the reconnection of financial institutions to the SWIFT payment system.
Additionally, Trump commented on his administration’s consideration of Russia’s conditions, stating, “We’re thinking about all of them right now. There are five or six conditions. We are looking at all of them.” Despite the deal being perceived as a noteworthy advancement, it still does not fulfill the initial White House proposal for a 30-day full ceasefire.
In summary, President Trump perceives Russia’s willingness to end its conflict with Ukraine while expressing concerns about its commitment. With negotiations in Saudi Arabia yielding a tentative agreement and Russia’s conditions centered on sanctions, the U.S. administration is evaluating these stipulations. The situation in the Black Sea remains complex, as conversations continue amidst significant geopolitical tensions.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
