**Ukraine and Russia on Edge as Trump’s Deadline Looms**
As the self-imposed 100-day deadline set by US President Donald Trump to broker a settlement in Ukraine approaches its end, tensions are running high between Washington and Kyiv. The Ukrainian government has expressed concerns over the “dangerous” repercussions of a US exit from peace efforts, while European officials believe that any breakthrough would be used by Trump as justification for walking away.
**A Week of Decision**
According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the coming week will be decisive in determining Washington’s future involvement in the conflict. “This is going to be a really important week in which we’re going to have to decide whether we want to continue to engage in this effort, or whether it’s time for us to shift our focus to other issues that are just as, if not more, important,” Rubio said.
**Doubts Over Trump’s Intentions**
European and Ukrainian officials believe that Trump will use any breakthrough as a justification to abandon the peace efforts without achieving a stable and lasting deal. This has raised concerns among US officials, who are discussing short-term solutions that would fit into Trump’s timeline. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Trump to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russia.
**Russia’s Conditional Offer**
In a move seen as a publicity stunt by both Washington and Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced a three-day ceasefire on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. However, this was rejected by both sides, who called for a complete halt to hostilities. Ukraine maintains that a full and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step toward peace talks, a proposal that Russia continues to reject.
**The Kremlin’s Conditional Offer**
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently reiterated maximalist demands, including international recognition of Moscow’s annexation of Ukrainian territories, as a condition for entering into talks with Ukraine. This has been met with skepticism by Kyiv and its Western allies. Zelensky met Trump in the Vatican on April 26 for a brief meeting that was described by both sides as positive. However, Trump has yet to approve any new aid package for Ukraine.
**US Pressure on Ukraine**
The US has been Kyiv’s leading military supporter throughout the full-scale war, but there are concerns that a possible exit from peace efforts could also mean an end to all backing for Ukraine, including intelligence support. The US has exerted greater pressure on Ukraine, briefly pausing all military aid in March.
**Commentary**
As Trump’s deadline approaches, it remains unclear what his intentions truly are. Will he use any breakthrough as a justification to walk away from the peace efforts, or will he genuinely seek a lasting solution? One thing is certain: the fate of Ukraine and Russia hangs in the balance. The international community waits with bated breath for the outcome, hoping that Trump will make the right decision.
**Deeper Analysis**
The situation on the ground in Ukraine remains dire. Despite Russian ceasefire announcements, hostilities continue to escalate. The US has been a crucial supporter of Ukraine throughout this conflict, but the lack of new aid packages from Trump raises concerns about the future of military support. Will Trump’s decision ultimately be driven by his desire for domestic approval, or will he make a genuine effort to broker a lasting peace? Only time will tell.
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