**Key Meeting Between Trump and Putin Appears to be on Hold**
A potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have been put on hold, despite efforts by the Trump administration to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table. The development comes as the two leaders continue to work on a peace deal for Ukraine.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, contacts between Moscow and Washington are ongoing, but no meeting has been scheduled yet. This is in contrast to previous statements from Trump’s team that suggested a meeting was imminent.
The lack of progress in negotiations has led to concerns that the US might withdraw its support for Ukraine, including intelligence support. Trump has reportedly grown frustrated with the slow pace of talks and claimed on April 26 that Putin may be “tapping me along,” suggesting that Russia is not committed to ending the war.
**Ukraine and US Sign Minerals Agreement**
Despite these challenges, Ukraine and the US have managed to sign a minerals agreement that establishes a joint investment fund in Ukraine. The deal was negotiated over several months and represents an important step forward in bilateral relations between the two countries.
However, the agreement comes as Ukrainian officials are under investigation for alleged corruption and bribery. Andrii Smyrnov is being investigated for allegedly legalizing illicit assets and accepting a bribe worth $100,000.
**Russia’s Military Strikes Raise Concerns**
Meanwhile, Russia’s military strikes against Ukraine have raised concerns that Moscow may be violating United Nations Security Council resolutions passed in response to North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests. The strikes resulted in the deaths of up to 20 Russian soldiers and destroyed their equipment.
**US Ambassador Julie Davis Takes Over from Bridget Brink**
The US has also replaced its ambassador to Ukraine, with Julie S. Davis taking over from Bridget Brink. This change comes as efforts to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table continue.
**Trump’s Comments on Peace Deal Raise Questions**
In an interview with NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump claimed that a peace deal for Ukraine was “fairly close,” but his comments have raised questions about his commitment to the negotiations. With tensions between Moscow and Washington ongoing, it remains to be seen when or if a meeting will take place.
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