Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced in an interview with the New York Post that he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming that Putin wants to end the Ukraine war.
📌 Key Takeaways from Trump’s Interview:
✔️ He has spoken with Putin, though the exact timing remains unclear.
✔️ He wants the Ukraine war to end “quickly”, calling it “terrible”.
✔️ He plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week.
✔️ He suggested a deal for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued U.S. assistance.
The announcement has sparked speculation about Trump’s potential role in Ukraine-Russia negotiations, especially given his past claims of being able to end the war within 24 hours.
Trump Pushes for Peace Talks, Orders Security Meetings
During the interview—conducted aboard Air Force One while en route to Florida—Trump instructed his National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, to initiate meetings to advance negotiations.
“They want to meet. Every day, people are dying. Soldiers—young, handsome men—are being killed. On both sides. Across the battlefield.”
This suggests that Trump is taking an active role in trying to broker a peace deal, though the White House has yet to confirm any formal plans for talks.
A Planned Meeting With Zelensky—and Possibly Putin?
Trump confirmed that he will “probably” meet with Zelensky next week to discuss U.S. support for Ukraine.
However, he also hinted at potential direct talks with Putin, raising questions about whether the former president is attempting to position himself as a mediator in the conflict.
🌍 Upcoming High-Profile Meetings:
🔹 Zelensky to lead Ukraine’s delegation at the Munich Security Conference.
🔹 Vice President J.D. Vance and Special Envoy Keith Kellogg to attend on behalf of the U.S.
🔹 No confirmed meeting between Trump and Putin, despite Russian reports of “advanced preparations.”
Trump’s Strategic Proposal: Ukraine’s Rare Earth Minerals
In a separate statement earlier this week, Trump suggested that continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine should come with conditions—specifically, access to Ukraine’s vast supply of rare earth minerals.
“We’re looking at securing an agreement with Ukraine where they guarantee what we’re giving them with their rare earth materials and other resources.”
This transactional approach offers insight into Trump’s long-term geopolitical strategy, particularly in countering China’s dominance in the rare earth supply chain.
🔹 What Are Rare Earth Minerals?
✔️ Critical for advanced technology (smartphones, batteries, military equipment).
✔️ Ukraine has significant deposits, making it a strategic global supplier.
✔️ The U.S. heavily depends on China for these materials, so a deal with Ukraine could shift economic power.
Russia’s Response: Kremlin Denies Serious Negotiations
Despite Trump’s statements, the Kremlin dismissed claims of serious talks, stating that there has been no formal discussion of a Trump-Putin meeting.
📢 Russian Government Response:
✔️ Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied any official scheduling for a meeting.
✔️ Russian legislators claim “advanced preparations” are underway, but no details have been confirmed.
✔️ Putin has remained publicly silent on Trump’s latest remarks.
This uncertainty fuels speculation about whether Trump is taking a proactive role in backchannel diplomacy or if these statements are more rhetorical than actionable.
Can Trump Really End the Ukraine War?
Trump has repeatedly criticized U.S. aid to Ukraine, arguing that Europe should contribute more and that the U.S. bears too much of the financial burden.
However, his strategy remains unclear:
🔹 Would he push for peace through diplomacy, military aid reductions, or both?
🔹 Would Putin agree to negotiations without major concessions?
🔹 How would Ukraine respond to potential aid cuts or economic deals?
What’s Next? The World Watches for a Breakthrough
With the Russia-Ukraine war nearing its third anniversary, global leaders remain divided on the path to resolution.
🌍 What to watch for:
📌 Will Trump actually meet with Putin?
📌 How will Zelensky respond to Trump’s conditions for continued U.S. aid?
📌 Can Trump influence U.S. policy and NATO’s stance on the war?As these diplomatic efforts unfold, one thing is clear: Trump’s involvement is shaping the future of U.S.-Russia-Ukraine relations.
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