Donald Trump's efforts for peace: A path to ending the Russia-Ukraine war?

Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 10:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

Donald Trump's efforts for peace: A path to ending the Russia-Ukraine war?

Over three years into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, there is renewed hope for a lasting ceasefire, largely driven by U.S. President Donald Trump's direct involvement. Since his return to power, the former real estate mogul has made resolving the Ukrainian conflict a key priority in his foreign policy.

Known for his direct approach and bold statements, Trump is actively influencing sensitive negotiations, where the status of Crimea remains a major stumbling block.

Trump’s Call to Putin: “Vladimir, STOP!” In response to increased Russian strikes on Ukrainian soil, Trump sent a sharp message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. On April 24, following a brutal night in Kyiv marked by 70 missiles and 145 drones launched at six Ukrainian regions Trump publicly addressed his Russian counterpart on his Truth Social platform: “Vladimir, STOP!”

He criticized the “very poor timing” of these deadly attacks, which resulted in at least 12 deaths and 90 injuries, expressing his displeasure with the escalation just as negotiations were nearing a critical stage.

A Possible Agreement, but at What Cost? Trump claims to be exerting “strong pressure” on Moscow to halt hostilities. According to him, Russia has agreed “not to seize the entire country,” a significant concession that could pave the way for a peace agreement.

However, the American president emphasizes that Ukraine must also show flexibility. He has openly criticized President Volodymyr Zelensky for his firm refusal to acknowledge Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014. Trump believes that a compromise over the territory is essential to end the conflict once and for all.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed in an interview with CBS that Russia is “ready” to reach an agreement but noted that “several specific elements still need to be finalized.”

The Ongoing Toll of the War On the ground, Russian strikes continue to wreak havoc. In Kyiv, the brutality of the attack left residents deeply shaken. “Russia wants to destroy us,” said 33-year-old lawyer Olena Davydiouk, visibly distressed after witnessing her building destroyed by an explosion.

The Russian Ministry of Defense insists it is targeting only “military objectives,” yet civilian casualties remain high, fueling international outrage. London condemned what it called “a bloodbath carried out by Putin,” and the European Union reiterated that “the Kremlin is the main obstacle to peace.”

The Road Ahead Despite the tensions, Trump remains hopeful, claiming that “several signs show we are heading in the right direction.” His clear goal is to achieve an agreement that would end the war, secure Eastern Europe, and bolster his reputation as an international “peace maker.”

For now, Trump’s success hinges on two crucial factors: Zelensky’s acceptance of a compromise on Crimea and Putin’s ability to honor his commitments. The coming weeks will be decisive.