Trump races to broker Ukraine ceasefire as U.S. warns of withdrawal
By isabelle // 2025-04-21
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  • Trump brokers a last-ditch ceasefire push as U.S.-Ukraine tensions rise over stalled negotiations and aid fatigue.
  • Failed Easter truce deepens skepticism with both sides accusing the other of violations, worsening diplomatic prospects.
  • Washington signals possible aid withdrawal unless Kyiv and Moscow show commitment to peace amid rising costs.
  • Zelensky’s controversial Trump invite hints at shifting strategy as U.S. pressures Ukraine to end the conflict.
  • Critics warn of unsustainable war costs and question if diplomacy can resolve territorial disputes with Russia.
As the dust settles on another failed ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, President Donald Trump is reportedly brokering a last-ditch effort to secure a "full and comprehensive ceasefire" as early as this week. High-level talks are underway in London following another round of accusations from both sides after Vladimir Putin’s Easter truce collapsed almost immediately. With Washington signaling frustration over Ukraine’s diminishing returns on $100 billion in aid, Trump and allies like Secretary of State Marco Rubio warn that the U.S. may "walk away" unless both nations prove serious about peace. The Easter pause, which lasted just 30 hours, ended in predictable deadlock: Ukraine claimed Russia violated it over 2,000 times, while Moscow accused Kyiv of over 1,000 breaches. The spectacle only reinforced skepticism over whether diplomacy can halt a war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives. For Trump, who has long touted his deal-making credentials, the challenge now is convincing a war-weary Washington and skeptical allies that a workable agreement is possible.

The high stakes of U.S. disengagement

The White House has reportedly set a loose deadline for Ukraine to either endorse a U.S.-backed peace framework or risk losing Washington’s financial lifeline. ATrump’s team plans to present a "final offer" in London this week—one that may include sanctions relief for Russia if Moscow halts its advance. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has allegedly signaled tentative approval, but sticking points remain, particularly over Russia’s occupation of Crimea and other disputed regions. Yet Trump’s push comes as U.S. lawmakers increasingly question pouring endless resources into a grinding war with no clear victory in sight. "If for some reason one of the two parties makes it very difficult… we’re going to just take a pass," Trump told reporters last week—a sentiment Rubio echoed hours earlier. The White House has already quietly walked back demands for Ukraine to repay $300 billion in U.S. aid, settling instead for a proposed $100 billion deal. Critics argue that American taxpayers are bankrolling a conflict with minimal oversight while domestic priorities like border security flounder. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces face severe shortages of ammunition and manpower, raising doubts about Kyiv’s ability to sustain offensive operations.

Zelensky’s risky Trump gambit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently extended an eyebrow-raising invitation to Trump to visit Kyiv—a move some interpreted as mockery given the president’s claim he could end the war "in 24 hours." The report that the U.S. is pressuring Zelensky to "wrap up the situation" aligns with growing bipartisan fatigue. With Washington pivoting to crises in the Middle East and an unsustainable fiscal burden, even staunch Ukraine supporters admit the current trajectory is untenable. Whether London’s talks yield a breakthrough remains uncertain. Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, has dismissed prospects for a lasting truce, citing Western "manipulation" in past negotiations. Moscow insists Ukraine must acknowledge territorial realities—a concession Zelensky has repeatedly rejected. If the White House follows through on its threats to withdraw support, Kyiv would face dire military consequences. For now, Trump’s optimism—touting potential "big business" deals for both nations post-war—clashes with battlefield realities where neither side appears ready to concede. Ultimately, the failed Easter ceasefire may foreshadow what’s ahead: A conflict where trust is shattered and peace remains agonizingly out of reach. As U.S. patience wears thin, the question isn’t just whether a deal can be struck but whether America should keep footing the bill for a war with no endgame. Sources for this article include: RT.com News.Sky.com FoxNews.com Reuters.com
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