 "Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. File Image/Reuters")
US President Donald Trump said Monday that he and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are discussing “major” economic deals as part of discussions on ending the war started by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the War, and also major Economic Development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Soon after Trump’s announcement, Russia said it is open for economic cooperation with the US.
“Russia is open for US-Russia economic cooperation and believes such cooperation is key for more resilient global economy,” Reuters quoted envoy Kirill Dmitriev, appointed on February 23, as saying in a statement.
Trump issued the statement after being joined by French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House for a conference call with other G7 leaders on the third anniversary of the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
Washington’s European allies are struggling to adapt to the sudden shift in US policy since Trump took office last month. After three years of consistent support for Ukraine, Trump has begun talks with Moscow about a settlement, leaving unclear how much influence Ukraine and European nations will have in the negotiations.
Russia has faced significant international sanctions, primarily imposed by the Biden administration in response to its military aggression against Ukraine.
For Trump’s proposed US-Russian “transactions” to proceed, these sanctions would need to be lifted — a significant win for Putin.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn his post, Trump said he had also highlighted to other G7 leaders his goal of getting Ukraine to sign an agreement giving the United States access to its natural resources in return for US support in any peace settlement.
“I emphasized the importance of the vital ‘Critical Minerals and Rare-Earths Deal’ between the United States and Ukraine, which we hope will be signed very soon!” Trump wrote.
“This deal, which is an ‘Economic Partnership,’ will ensure the American people recoup the Tens of Billions of Dollars and Military Equipment sent to Ukraine, while also helping Ukraine’s economy grow as this Brutal and Savage War comes to an end.”
The G7 call and Macron’s visit to Washington come as Trump repeatedly casts doubt on his commitment to historic US alliances, including Nato, which was formed after World War II to defend western Europe against Soviet expansion.
Interestingly, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine and the US were working productively on an economic deal at the centre of an effort to end Russia’s war on Ukraine.
He made the remark in Kyiv during an address through video link to the leaders of G7 countries during which he repeated that both Europe and Ukraine should be involved in a peace process.
With inputs from agencies