The Kremlin confirmed on Monday that Russia and the United States are discussing potential pathways to a peace settlement in Ukraine and working to rebuild bilateral ties, despite US President Donald Trump expressing anger at Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump told NBC News he was “pissed off” after Putin criticised the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US president also suggested imposing secondary tariffs of 25%-50% on buyers of Russian oil to pressure Moscow. However, he later stated that progress was being made “step by step.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Trump’s remarks but stressed that discussions between the two nations are ongoing. “We are continuing to work with the American side, first of all to build our bilateral relations, which were badly damaged during the previous administration,” Peskov said.
He added that efforts are underway regarding Ukraine but cautioned that the process remains complex and without immediate details to disclose. A direct call between Trump and Putin could be arranged quickly if needed, though none was scheduled for the week.
Trump, who has positioned himself as a peacemaker, reiterated that he wants an end to the war and warned of the risk of escalation. “I want to see him [Putin] make a deal so that we stop Russian soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers and other people from being killed,” he said from the Oval Office.
Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who met Trump in Florida on Saturday, said he urged Trump to set a deadline for securing a ceasefire in Ukraine. “I came out with an impression that obviously he’s the only person who can broker a peace, a ceasefire, because he’s the only one that Putin is afraid of,” Stubb told Sky News on Monday.
Trump’s approach to Russia and his handling of the Ukraine conflict remain central to his foreign policy strategy as discussions over a potential ceasefire continue.
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