President Donald Trump has expressed his interest in linking a proposed mineral agreement between the United States and Ukraine with the demand for a quick ceasefire with Russia. European officials have indicated that the U.S. administration is seeking to have Ukraine commit to peace talks with Moscow. Such requirements have hindered the signing of the economic agreement between Ukraine and the United States, despite the public statements of leaders from both countries.
According to sources close to the matter, Trump is willing to conclude the natural resources agreement that has been pending since his last meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as long as there are tangible advances toward a truce and negotiations with Russia. Although possible progress on the agreement has been suggested in the coming days and a meeting between officials from both countries is expected in Saudi Arabia, some warn that the U.S. position could change, given President Trump's track record regarding his decisions.
The pressure from the White House on Ukraine has included the suspension of military aid and intelligence work in an attempt to align the country's interests with those of the United States. Despite this measure, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has indicated the possibility of lifting the aid pause if progress is made in negotiations and mutual confidence-building measures are implemented. Retired General Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has warned that Ukraine was aware of the consequences of not showing a willingness to negotiate.
Despite efforts to achieve a peace agreement, there is no evidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin is willing to end the invasion of Ukraine. In contrast to the demands directed at Ukraine, the United States does not seem to be pressuring Russia to make significant concessions in the conflict. Keith Kellogg compared the actions of the White House with Ukraine to "hitting a mule with a two-by-four in the nose" in an attempt to get its attention and encourage negotiation.
