As discussions regarding a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict progress between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia, here are the key developments since US President Donald Trump took office on 20 January 2025.
Washington’s Pressure on Moscow
On 20 January, newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump urged his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to “strike a deal” with Ukraine.
“I believe he is harming Russia by not reaching an agreement,” he stated.
During his campaign, Mr. Trump had vowed to resolve the war in Ukraine “within 24 hours.”
He later admitted that the resolution might require several months.
On 24 January, Mr. Putin expressed his readiness for negotiations with Mr. Trump.
The Ukrainian government cautioned against any agreement made by the United States that bypasses Ukraine and Europe.
Negotiations over Strategic Minerals
In early February, Donald Trump announced his intention to negotiate a minerals agreement with Ukraine, which would grant the United States access to 50% of its natural resources in exchange for the economic and military aid already provided to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the initial US proposal on 15 February, arguing that it lacked sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky declined to endorse the preliminary US proposal regarding strategic minerals.
US-Russia Rapprochement
On 12 February, Donald Trump stated that he and Vladimir Putin had agreed to initiate “immediate” talks aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, following a phone conversation.
The United States declared that Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO and to revert to its pre-2014 borders—prior to the Russian annexation of Crimea—were unrealistic.
Mr. Zelensky appealed to his European allies to refuse any agreements made by the US without the involvement of Ukraine and Europe.
On 18 February, US and Russian foreign ministers engaged in discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first negotiations of that level since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
US President Donald Trump, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance, faced off against Volodymyr Zelensky during a public confrontation at the White House.
The Trump-Zelensky Dispute
On 19 February, Donald Trump publicly criticized Volodymyr Zelensky, even labeling him a “dictator.”
He blamed Ukraine for the war, aligning himself with Kremlin narratives.
On 28 February, Mr. Zelensky visited Washington with the intention of finalizing the minerals agreement.
However, a dramatic public confrontation occurred at the White House, where Mr. Trump accused him of “disrespecting” the United States, claimed he was “risking World War III,” and warned that if he did not pursue peace with Russia, “we’re out.”
US Suspends Military Aid
On 3 March, Donald Trump halted military aid to Ukraine and ceased sharing intelligence with Russia about Ukrainian positions.
Volodymyr Zelensky extended conciliatory gestures towards Mr. Trump.
On 6 March, the EU, comprising 27 nations, approved a plan to mobilize up to €800 billion over four years to strengthen security across the continent and assist Ukraine.
US and Ukrainian negotiators convened in Saudi Arabia for discussions.
Ukraine Accepts US Ceasefire Proposal
On 11 March, with its military facing challenges at the frontlines, Ukraine and the United States reached an agreement on a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
The US immediately lifted restrictions on military aid and the sharing of intelligence.
Both parties also committed to reaching an agreement on Ukrainian minerals as soon as possible.
Russian forces quickly regained territory previously occupied by Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.
Vladimir Putin visited the Kursk region recently, dressed in military fatigues.
Putin Sets Conditions
In a telephone conversation on 18 March, Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin concurred on a 30-day cessation of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, “immediate” negotiations to end the conflict, and a prisoner exchange, but not a ceasefire.
Mr. Putin demanded that the West cease rearming Ukraine, according to the Kremlin, and halt economic assistance to Ukraine.
As both sides exchanged hostilities, US-led negotiations with Russia commenced today in Saudi Arabia, following a meeting the previous day between US and Ukrainian officials.
The Kremlin cautioned of “challenging negotiations” ahead and a lengthy path to peace.
