US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he hoped that Russia and Ukraine could reach a peace agreement within the week and offer the prospect of great business opportunities with the United States if they do, AFP reported.
“Hopefully Russia and Ukraine will enter into an agreement this week,” Trump posted Social Social. “Both will then start doing big business with the United States of America, which thrive, and create a fortune.”
Trump’s remarks came after he warned on April 18 that the United States would go away from the negotiations if both sides stopped conversations. “If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult … We just take a passport,” he said.
The comments were sent during an Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported over 2,000 violations and proposed a 30-day ban on long-reach attacks. The Kremlin has not the answer.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky rejected the ceasefire as a “media stunt” that aimed to satisfy Trump. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington can give up his efforts if no progress is made.
The Trump administration has emphasized financial incentives throughout its mediation efforts. After a phone call in March with Putin, the White House highlighted the potential for “huge financial offers” between the United States and Russia.
Trump also supports a mineral agreement with Ukraine, giving the United States extensive access to the revenue for natural resources in return for previous military support. The agreement includes no security guarantees.
