As the U.S. attempts to negotiate an end to the protracted conflict, opinions diverge on the progress of these efforts. A German official voiced skepticism regarding the U.S.-led discussions, while a Chinese official offered a more optimistic perspective on the prospects for a ceasefire.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, during a visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, cautioned the U.S. against being misled by “Putin’s stalling tactics.” She urged European support for Ukraine, characterizing the U.S.-Russia talks as “deadlocked.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, however, countered Baerbock’s assessment, asserting that progress was being made in the U.S.-Russia discussions. China’s relationship with Russia has strengthened during the Ukraine war, with Beijing providing diplomatic support and serving as a trading partner for Moscow.
According to the AP, Yi stated that “certain results have been achieved” in the talks. The AP also reported that he expressed China’s support for “a fair, long-term, binding peace agreement acceptable to all parties involved” in an interview.
President expressed partial agreement with China’s view, acknowledging progress while also conveying frustration with both Russia and Ukraine. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the president criticized Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting the “tremendous hatred” between them.
Trump also expressed his anger towards Putin in a recent interview, saying he was “pissed off”.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC News.
Despite Moscow’s apparent agreement “in principle” for a truce, the U.S. has faced challenges in securing an immediate 30-day ceasefire agreement.
In mid-March, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that “the ball is now in Russia’s court” regarding ending the three-year-long war.
Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
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