Babatunji Wusu –
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Trump advocates for a limited ceasefire in Ukraine as a step toward broader peace negotiations.
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Putin remains skeptical about a 30-day U.S.-backed ceasefire but is open to a truce focused on energy infrastructure.
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U.S. officials to meet separately with Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss details.
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Trump’s approach: Pressuring Ukraine into concessions by leveraging military and intelligence aid while offering Putin economic incentives.
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Economic deals are central to Trump’s negotiations, including a mineral extraction agreement and potential U.S. involvement in Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
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Zelensky and Trump discussed Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is under Russian control, and possible U.S. assistance in reclaiming it.
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Trump suggests “dividing up the lands” as part of a final peace deal, with an emphasis on post-war industrial opportunities in Ukraine.
As part of his efforts to broker peace between Moscow and Kyiv, Donald Trump has pushed for a limited ceasefire in the Ukraine war. While Putin remains skeptical of a full 30-day truce proposed by the U.S., he has expressed openness to a narrower agreement focused on protecting energy infrastructure—though key details remain unresolved.
To advance discussions, U.S. officials are set to meet Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia next week for separate negotiations. Despite falling short of his promise to end the war within 24 hours, Trump has positioned the ongoing talks as progress toward that goal.
Trump’s negotiation strategy hinges on pressuring Ukraine into concessions by leveraging military and intelligence support, while offering Putin economic incentives or consequences. Economic agreements appear to be a key focus for Trump, with discussions involving mineral extraction deals and U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s energy sector.
During a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump raised the possibility of U.S. ownership or control over Ukrainian nuclear power plants. The discussion centered on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant, currently under Russian occupation. Trump reportedly sees this as an opportunity to power Ukraine’s mining industry post-war.
Notably, Trump has stated that contract negotiations are underway regarding “dividing up the lands” as part of a final peace settlement—suggesting that economic interests could play a major role in shaping Ukraine’s post-war future.
As these talks unfold, Trump’s broader NATO stance remains a wildcard, influencing both Ukraine’s negotiating position and Western support for the conflict.
