US President Donald Trump has voiced optimism that Russia and Ukraine may reach a peace agreement this week to resolve the ongoing conflict.
On Sunday (local time), Trump shared his thoughts on his media platform, Truth Social, saying that once the two countries come to an agreement, they would have the opportunity to engage in profitable business dealings 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.
Meanwhile, CNN reported on Friday, citing an official familiar with the discussions, that the US is prepared to recognize Russia’s control over Crimea as part of a peace deal. The proposed framework includes an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The proposal was shared with Ukrainian and European officials in Paris on Thursday.
However, some details still need to be finalized, with plans to work on the agreement further next week in London, the source said.
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a military invasion, a move widely condemned as illegal by the international community.
Earlier, Trump had indicated that the US may step back from brokering a peace deal if negotiations become too difficult.
“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,” Trump said.
Despite this, Trump expressed cautious optimism about a potential agreement, saying, “I think we have a really good chance of getting it done. It’s coming to a head right now.”
