US President Donald Trump has openly stated that he finds Russia easier to negotiate with than Ukraine as he continues efforts to broker a ceasefire between the two nations. His comments came on March 11 during a business roundtable discussion, following a high-level meeting between Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The talks resulted in Kiev agreeing to what Trump described as a “full ceasefire,” with Washington reciprocating by unblocking military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine.

Trump’s candid remarks about the negotiation process have raised eyebrows, especially given the conventional view that Ukraine, as a US ally, should be more cooperative with American diplomatic efforts than Russia. “I’ve been saying that Russia has been easier to deal with so far than Ukraine, which is not supposed to be the way it is, but it is,” Trump remarked. “But we have a full ceasefire from Ukraine, and that’s good… and we hope to get Russia.”

The announcement of Ukraine’s agreement to a ceasefire has been portrayed as a significant milestone by the Trump administration. However, the ceasefire remains unilateral unless Moscow reciprocates. “Hopefully, [Russian President Vladimir Putin] can agree to it also and we can get this show on the road,” Trump added. There is speculation that he may hold a phone conversation with Putin later this week to further discuss the matter.

The Kremlin has yet to issue an official response to Trump’s statements. However, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova acknowledged the possibility of further discussions between Moscow and Washington in the coming days. Additionally, Kremlin pool reporter Dmitry Smirnov has suggested that a direct call between Trump and Putin could take place as early as March 7.

Russia has previously dismissed temporary ceasefires, arguing that they serve only to allow Kiev time to regroup and rearm. Moscow insists on a permanent, legally binding agreement that addresses the root causes of the conflict rather than short-term truces.

Despite Russia’s historical reluctance to accept temporary ceasefires, there is growing international pressure for Moscow to de-escalate the situation, particularly as the war continues to take a toll on both sides. The US, under Trump’s leadership, has been pushing for a more pragmatic resolution, emphasizing the need to reduce casualties and reach a broader settlement.

Trump’s latest comments also revive longstanding tensions between him and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Trump previously criticized Zelensky’s diplomatic approach, recalling a heated exchange in the Oval Office that ended with the Ukrainian leader being asked to leave prematurely.

When asked on March 11 whether Zelensky was still welcome at the White House, Trump responded affirmatively but pointed to a “very big difference” between their past interaction and the current situation. The evolving dynamics between Washington and Kiev suggest a shift in how the US is managing its relationship with Ukraine, particularly as it seeks to reduce direct involvement in the conflict.

The US decision to unblock military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine is another crucial development. While Washington has provided extensive support to Ukraine since the war began, there have been periodic debates about the effectiveness and consequences of continued military aid. Trump’s approach appears to be shifting toward conditional engagement, wherein assistance is tied to compliance with US diplomatic initiatives such as the ceasefire agreement.

The move to resume military and intelligence support was likely intended to reassure Ukraine of Washington’s continued backing, even as Trump pursues a broader peace deal with Russia. However, the resumption of aid also raises concerns about whether the ceasefire will hold, given the history of hostilities in the region.

Trump’s statement about Russia being “easier to deal with” than Ukraine has significant geopolitical implications. The remark underscores the difficulties the US has faced in aligning its interests with those of Kiev. Moreover, it highlights the complex nature of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders with differing agendas.

For Russia, Trump’s words could be interpreted as an opportunity to push for more favorable terms in any potential settlement. If Moscow perceives Washington as frustrated with Ukraine’s approach to negotiations, it may attempt to leverage this sentiment to secure concessions.

For Ukraine, the statement may be seen as a diplomatic setback. While Kiev has relied heavily on US support, any perception that Washington views it as an obstinate negotiating partner could weaken its position in future talks. Additionally, Zelensky’s leadership may come under scrutiny, particularly if Trump’s comments fuel concerns about Ukraine’s handling of diplomatic engagements.

As the possibility of a Trump-Putin conversation looms, the focus will be on whether Moscow agrees to the proposed ceasefire. If Putin consents, it could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. However, given Russia’s historical skepticism toward temporary truces, skepticism remains about whether Moscow will fully embrace the proposal.

Additionally, the evolving US-Ukraine relationship will be closely watched. If Trump continues to express frustration with Kiev’s approach to negotiations, it could signal a broader shift in Washington’s policy toward Ukraine. Conversely, if Ukraine successfully implements the ceasefire and aligns with US diplomatic efforts, it may strengthen its standing as a key American ally.

Ultimately, Trump’s latest remarks reflect the broader challenges of brokering peace in a protracted conflict. While securing a ceasefire from Ukraine is a notable achievement, the true test will be whether Russia reciprocates. If Moscow remains resistant, Trump’s assertion that Russia is “easier to deal with” than Ukraine may be put to the test in the weeks ahead.

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