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US President Donald Trump said that he felt that the parties were really ready to reach peace in Ukraine. Speaking at the White House on 18 April, he stressed that he was not aware of any manipulation or attempts to “play” by other states in the negotiations.
“My whole life has been one big negotiation, and I know when people are playing with us and when they are not. I need to see enthusiasm to want to end the war. I think I see that enthusiasm. I think I see it on both sides,” the president told Sky News.
When asked directly by a journalist whether he believed that the Russians were playing against the United States, Trump answered briefly and confidently:
“No one is playing with me. I am trying to help.”
In addition, he noted that he sees “very good chances” of reaching an agreement to end the war, and stressed that the process is “at the culmination stage”.
“It’s culminating right now,” the White House chief added.
This statement was made against the backdrop of reports of new diplomatic initiatives by Washington, including the presentation of a ceasefire proposal to allies in Europe, which provides for a freeze on the conflict on the current front lines.
Analysts see Trump’s tone as a signal to Moscow and Kyiv: The United States is ready to mediate, but not unconditionally. According to Atlantic Council experts, such rhetoric may push the Kremlin to a more constructive dialogue, but it is alarming for Kyiv, which has repeatedly stated that peace is not possible through concessions of sovereignty.
“Trump is acting like an experienced businessman: hinting at a close result, raising the stakes and creating the impression of control. But this is not a business deal, it’s about human lives,” a diplomat from the European Institute of Peace told Politico.
The Ukrainian authorities have not yet officially responded to Trump’s statements, but President Zelenskyy has previously stressed that any peace initiatives should be based on respect for international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
