Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
Ukraine Urges US to Press Russia for Peace Amid Stalled Negotiations
Amid escalating tensions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called upon U.S. President Donald Trump to compel Russia towards a peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict. This plea follows President Trump’s candid admission of frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over what he perceives as obstructions to peace talks concerning Ukraine.
Trump Expresses Frustration with Putin Over Ukraine Stance
Defense of Zelensky and Criticism of Putin
President Trump has voiced strong disapproval of Putin’s recent remarks questioning President Zelensky’s credibility and legitimacy. Putin’s assertions this week suggested Ukraine requires new leadership, a sentiment that has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. Trump reportedly expressed anger towards Putin for raising doubts about Zelensky’s authority.
This robust defense of Ukraine’s president represents a shift from President Trump’s earlier stance, where he had expressed weariness with the protracted conflict and the ongoing U.S. assistance to Kyiv.
Potential Sanctions and Economic Measures
During an interview with NBC’s Kristen Welker, President Trump cautioned Russia about potential new stringent economic sanctions in response to setbacks in peace negotiations. He outlined possible tariffs ranging from 25 to 50 percent on Russian oil.
Furthermore, President Trump indicated a warning to nations considering purchasing oil from Russia, suggesting they could face restrictions on conducting business in the United States.
Zelensky Calls for Increased US Engagement
Seeking Security Guarantees and Ceasefire
Following President Trump’s public remarks, President Zelensky used social media platform X to articulate his nation’s need for stronger engagement with the United States. He emphasized the importance of finding mechanisms to pressure Russia into establishing peace and securing security guarantees as a crucial next step following a ceasefire agreement.
In his online statement, President Zelensky stated, “Currently, Russia persists in seeking justifications to prolong this war further. Putin is employing the same tactics he has since 2014.”
He added, “This poses a threat to everyone, and it necessitates an appropriate response from the United States, Europe, and all our global partners committed to peace.”
UK-US Economic Talks and Ukraine Discussions
Sir Keir Starmer and President Trump Discuss Prosperity Deal
In related developments, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with President Trump, focusing on the “productive negotiations between their respective teams regarding a UK-US economic prosperity agreement,” according to Downing Street sources.
Downing Street released a statement indicating the Prime Minister’s conversation with President Trump.
Focus on Continued Pressure on Russia
The statement noted that President Trump initiated the call by extending well wishes to His Majesty the King for good health.
The leaders reportedly discussed the ongoing “productive negotiations” aimed at a UK-US economic prosperity deal, agreeing to maintain momentum in these discussions throughout the week.
Regarding Ukraine, the Prime Minister updated President Trump on the “productive discussions” held at the Coalition of the Willing meeting in Paris. Both leaders concurred on the necessity to sustain “collective pressure on Putin.”
They concluded their discussion with an agreement to remain in close contact in the coming days.
Trump to Announce New Tariffs
‘Liberation Day’ Aimed at Economic Independence
President Trump is scheduled to announce new tariff measures on Wednesday, framing them as part of a “Liberation Day” initiative. This initiative aims to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign nations and bolster domestic business within the United States.
Peace Negotiations Stalled Amid Putin’s Demands
Putin Questions Zelensky’s Legitimacy
Simultaneously, the U.S. is leading peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the ongoing conflict. While progress towards a potential agreement seemed apparent earlier in the month, recent developments suggest a setback.
“If we’re in the midst of a negotiation, you could say that I was very angry, frustrated, when Putin said yesterday… when Putin started questioning Zelenskyy’s credibility, because that’s not conducive to progress,” President Trump stated in the interview.
“What he wanted – and I mean, he thought, you know, started talking about new leadership,” he elaborated.
“But new leadership implies a prolonged delay in reaching a deal, correct?” President Trump questioned.
Putin’s Call for Zelensky’s Resignation
President Putin, aged 72, asserted during a visit to Murmansk on Friday that President Zelensky, 47, must resign to expedite a peace agreement between the two nations.
He claimed Russia currently holds the “strategic initiative” along the war’s front lines.
President Putin further asserted that Russian forces had transitioned beyond simply weakening Ukraine and pledged to now “finish them off,” issuing a renewed threat.
Putin Suggests UN Control in Kyiv
Installation of ‘Competent’ Leadership
Speaking during a visit to launch a nuclear-powered submarine, President Putin proposed that the United Nations assume control in Kyiv to facilitate the installation of “competent” leadership willing to finalize a peace agreement.
The Russian leader contended that President Zelensky lacks the legitimacy to sign any agreements at this juncture, arguing that the Ukrainian leader has remained in power beyond his originally elected term.
Ukrainian law, however, prohibits elections during periods of martial law.
Trump and Putin Relationship Remains ‘Good’
Continued Communication Planned
President Trump stated that President Putin is aware of his “anger” but affirmed that their relationship remains “good.”
The U.S. President informed NBC News of his intention to engage in further communication with the Russian leader this week.
This breakdown in peace negotiations marks a reversal of earlier progress observed this month.
“I was frustrated by it,” President Trump reiterated regarding Putin’s recent remarks.
Economic Sanctions as Potential Response
Tariffs on Russian Oil and Related Restrictions
President Trump vowed, “If a deal is not reached, and if I determine it is Russia’s fault, I will impose secondary sanctions on Russia.”
He detailed the potential economic repercussions for Moscow, stating, “Any entity purchasing oil from Russia will be prohibited from selling their products, not solely oil, into the United States.”
Tense Meeting Between Zelensky and Trump
Demand for Gratitude and Acknowledgement of US Role
President Zelensky recently met with President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in a reportedly tense encounter at the Oval Office the previous month.
During a press opportunity, President Trump and Vice President Vance were observed requesting President Zelensky to express gratitude to the U.S. for its substantial military aid contributions and its leadership in peace talks with Russia.
President Trump has consistently emphasized his proficiency in managing complex negotiations with adversaries and has asserted that his positive rapport with President Putin serves as an advantage for the United States.
Continued Conflict and Territorial Advances
Russian Forces Capture Villages in Eastern and Southern Ukraine
Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Moscow has maintained its military offensive in Ukraine, continuing aerial bombardments across the nation.
Russian forces reportedly captured two villages in eastern and southern Ukraine on Saturday, March 29, as troops continue to advance into Ukrainian territory despite ceasefire initiatives.
Accusations of ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ in Occupied Territories
Resettlement of Russian Citizens in Zaporizhzhia
President Putin is allegedly resettling hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, a move described as ‘ethnic cleansing’ aimed at solidifying control over captured territories.
Details of Village Capture and Incentives for Resettlement
Russia’s defense ministry announced the capture of Shchebraki in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and Panteleimonivka in the eastern Donetsk region.
Reports suggest that Russians relocating to these areas were offered enhanced salaries and the prospect of occupying homes abandoned by displaced Ukrainians.