Trump's Ambitious Promises on Ukraine Peace Remain Unfulfilled

Before Donald Trump assumed the presidency again, he confidently stated that he could end the war in Ukraine in just one day. Fast forward to over three months into his new term, and the conflict remains unresolved, continuing to devastate regions and lives. Trump has shifted blame between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin for the war's extension, asserting that a peace agreement is imminent even amidst ongoing violence. At a rally last summer, he claimed that winning the election alone would bring peace to the region, even mentioning at a National Guard meeting that he would settle the conflict shortly after taking office. However, he later described his boast about a quick resolution as "an exaggeration" made in jest.

During his first 100 days, Trump's administration endeavored to forge peace through three significant negotiation attempts, all of which ended unsuccessfully. Breaking tradition from his predecessor, Joe Biden, Trump opted to engage directly with Putin in February and March, seeking a temporary ceasefire. Although he garnered a promise from Putin to cease attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities, Kyiv quickly accused Russia of violating that assurance. This followed talks in Jeddah, where a full 30-day ceasefire was discussed, but Putin dismissed the demand to include a ceasefire along the eastern frontline. A recent proposal from the US in Paris outlined a permanent ceasefire, a security guarantee not involving American troop presence, and recognition of Russian control over various territories, including Crimea, while permitting Ukraine to seek EU membership. However, this plan drastically disrupts long-established principles against altering borders through force, and Ukraine firmly rejected any compromise that involved forfeiting its territory.

Moreover, significant constitutional changes would be required for Ukraine to relinquish sovereign land, which would be widely unpopular following years of conflict. Zelensky has stated he would not agree to any deals lacking US security assurances against future Russian aggression. Although the US contended that a minerals deal would mean US personnel in Ukraine would suffice as a deterrent, the expected signing has not yet occurred. Recently, Putin declared a unilateral 72-hour ceasefire for Victory Day, which Ukraine perceived as insincere, given their prior experience with superficial ceasefire offers from Russia. Even Putin's earlier unilateral ceasefire for Easter was criticized by Ukraine, who maintained that hostilities persisted despite their willingness to comply. With the situation evolving, US authorities are reconsidering their involvement in the conflict, while Trump appeared skeptical about any genuine intentions from Putin, even as he expressed confidence that a peace deal was on the horizon.