American President Donald Trump has shown reluctance to exert additional pressure on Russia regarding its war in Ukraine, instead suggesting that officials in Kyiv should take more initiative to reach a peace agreement, according to reports from DPA.
When asked about Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure despite a ceasefire announced on Sunday, Trump remarked, “I need to see what’s happening because there have been violations on both sides.”
Trump was further questioned on how he plans to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin to adhere to the ceasefire. He responded, “I believe what’s happening is that he wants to reach an agreement, and we need to convince Zelensky to want to finalize a deal.”
Despite persistent inquiries regarding Putin’s interest in a peace agreement amidst ongoing attacks in Ukraine, Trump refrained from criticizing the Kremlin. “I think they will finalize an agreement. I think in reality, Putin wants to conclude a deal more than Zelensky does,” he stated.
Zelensky Urges U.S. to Ensure Russia Follows Ceasefire
Earlier on Monday, Zelensky called on the U.S. to ensure that Russia honors the ceasefire agreement announced by Trump. “We are waiting to see what specific steps the Americans are prepared to take,” Zelensky said during an online address at the Warsaw Security Forum.
He expressed surprise at Trump’s social media announcement that all attacks on energy infrastructure from the war would cease immediately. “And immediately after the post was published, Russia conducted a targeted attack on a power plant in Kharkiv, causing further damage to our energy system,” he noted.
“This Is Putin’s Response to Trump for Now”
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that Kyiv is ready to halt its assaults on energy infrastructure if Russia reciprocates. He mentioned that Ukrainian forces refrained from attacking Russian refineries overnight in response to Trump’s announcement.
However, Russian drones continued to target Kyiv on Monday morning, according to Zelensky. “So, for now, this is Putin’s response to Trump: Russian attacks. But we are waiting, we are awaiting the details of the conversation between the Americans and the Russians,” Zelensky added.
Trump’s announcement regarding a ceasefire came after he faced criticism from European allies and several American senators, including from within the Republican Party, over his decision to import thousands of tons of fuel from Russia. Senators emphasized that the agreement is illegal due to a 2022 Congressional ban on energy imports from Russia, aimed at preventing U.S. funding for Russia’s war efforts.
