Former US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism that Russia and Ukraine could reach a peace agreement as early as this week to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. Posting on his platform Truth Social on Sunday, Trump suggested that such a deal would open up economic opportunities for both nations through business with the United States.
“HOPEFULLY RUSSIA AND UKRAINE WILL MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK. BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE.” Trump wrote.
His comments come amid reports by CNN that the United States is involved in shaping a peace proposal that may include recognizing Russia’s control over Crimea—an area it annexed in 2014 in a move widely rejected by the international community. The proposal, reportedly shared with Ukrainian and European officials in Paris last week, includes an immediate ceasefire, although parts of the framework are still being developed. Further discussions are scheduled to continue in London this week.
Despite the optimism, Trump acknowledged that negotiations remain complex. He cautioned that if either side becomes too difficult to work with, the US might withdraw from the process. “If, for some reason, one of the two parties makes it very difficult, we’re just going to say, ‘You’re foolish, you’re foolish. You’re horrible people,’ and we’re just going to take a pass,” he said, according to CNN.
Nonetheless, Trump remains cautiously hopeful. “I think we have a really good chance of getting it done. It’s coming to a head right now,” he added.
The potential breakthrough, if realized, could mark a major turning point in the war, which has stretched on for over two years with heavy human and economic tolls on both sides.
