Articles in this Cluster
24-04-2025
President Trump expressed optimism that Ukraine and Russia will reach a peace deal, but security experts remain skeptical due to Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions. Trump said there's a "very good chance" a deal will be reached, but the White House hasn't clarified what it means to "walk away" from negotiations or potential retaliatory measures against Putin. Experts warn that Putin is not interested in a peace deal and is instead pursuing a war of attrition until Ukraine capitulates. Former CIA Moscow Station Chief Dan Hoffman stated that Putin's objective is to overthrow the Ukrainian government and will continue fighting until he achieves his goal. Trump administration officials are set to meet with Ukrainian and European representatives in London to continue negotiations, but the Kremlin has indicated that a quick fix is unlikely.
24-04-2025
US President Donald Trump has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for harming peace negotiations over Ukraine's refusal to recognize Russian control of Crimea. Trump claimed a deal to end the war was "very close" but Zelensky's stance "will do nothing but prolong" the conflict. US Vice-President JD Vance outlined a potential deal that would "freeze the territorial lines" close to their current positions, which Ukraine has rejected. Zelensky has consistently refused to give up Ukraine's claim to Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, citing it is against Ukraine's constitution. The back-and-forth comments come as the US intensifies efforts to broker a peace deal, with Trump saying he wants to see the war end, but the chances of success remain unclear.
24-04-2025
The US is intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, with talks taking place in London and a US envoy set to meet with President Putin in Moscow. A potential ceasefire proposal involves Russia halting its invasion and giving up its ambition to control remaining parts of four eastern Ukraine regions, in return for the US accepting the occupied territories as de facto Russian-controlled and recognizing Crimea as Russian territory. However, the proposal is uncertain and faces significant hurdles, including Ukraine's refusal to concede Crimea's sovereignty and technical issues with US recognition of Crimea. Western diplomats see a "landing space" for the plan, but huge gaps and uncertainties remain, including details on rearming Ukraine, economic sanctions, and a potential European "reassurance force."
24-04-2025
Vice President JD Vance warned that the US will "walk away" from efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war if a deal is not reached, while President Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to formally cede Crimea to Russia, saying it will "prolong the killing field." Zelenskyy responded by reposting a 2018 statement from Trump's former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, reaffirming the US refusal to recognize Russia's claims over seized territory. The comments came as US, Ukrainian, and European officials held talks in London aimed at securing a ceasefire, with Trump's administration pushing for a deal despite previously promising to end the war immediately.
24-04-2025
Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton stated that President Donald Trump's favorite is not Russia, but rather Vladimir Putin, criticizing Trump's approach to Russia and its consequences in a CNN interview with Kaitlan Collins.
24-04-2025
Donald Trump's frustration with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is evident in his recent comments, where he claimed to be "very close" to a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war. However, his comments put the onus on Ukraine to compromise, suggesting the US would "walk away" if there wasn't a "yes" from both sides, while only criticizing Zelenskyy. Trump's remarks omitted any reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and effectively legitimized Russia's territorial gains, which Ukraine's constitution prohibits. Zelenskyy has stated Ukraine is "ready to negotiate, not ready to surrender," indicating a deadlock in the peace talks.
24-04-2025
Donald Trump has claimed that a deal to end Russia's war on Ukraine is "very close" and urged Volodymyr Zelenskyy to "get it done". Trump's comments came as reports emerged that his proposed seven-point peace plan includes formally recognizing Russian sovereignty over Crimea, a move Ukraine has previously rejected. Trump accused Zelenskyy of harming peace negotiations with "inflammatory statements" about not accepting Crimea's annexation. The Ukrainian president has maintained that Ukraine will act in accordance with its constitution, which includes reclaiming Crimea. Talks in London on ending the war were downgraded after US Senator Marco Rubio withdrew, with Trump's vice president, JD Vance, warning that the US may "walk away" from negotiations due to a lack of progress.
24-04-2025
Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Fiona Hill, claims that Trump wants to emulate Vladimir Putin's style of governance, sharing a similar world view that divides the world into spheres of influence among major powers. Hill stated that Trump aims to create a "hyper-personalised presidency" with a top-down approach, lacking checks and balances, and has expressed a desire to "regularise, normalise and reset" US-Russia relations, potentially leading to a closer relationship between the two leaders. She also noted that Trump wants to withdraw US support for Ukraine and push Europeans to take more responsibility for their own security.
24-04-2025
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said there is an opportunity for a "big deal" between the US and China on trade if China is serious about rebalancing its economy away from manufacturing exports. Bessent's comments come as the trade war between the two countries escalated, with both sides imposing tariffs on each other's goods. He expressed optimism that a deal could be reached, saying the US wants to help China change its economic model and is willing to work together to achieve a rebalancing. The comments have led to a surge in stocks on hopes of eased trade tensions.
24-04-2025
US President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with China but also signaled a willingness to ease tariffs, stating they "won't be anywhere near" the current 145% rate. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment, saying there is an "opportunity for a big deal" on trade issues. China's Foreign Ministry responded by saying they are open to talks but will not back down. The softer tone from the US led to a stock market rally, with the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all rising. Meanwhile, a dozen states sued Trump's administration over the tariffs, claiming they are illegal. Other news included Google demanding some remote employees return to the office, IBM beating earnings expectations, and the EU fining Apple and Meta for breaching digital competition laws.
24-04-2025
Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang Yong stated that trade tensions are "bad for everybody" and have caused headwinds for the South Korean economy, increasing downside risks to its economic growth. South Korea will be affected directly and indirectly by US tariffs, impacting industries such as semiconductor production in Vietnam and battery production in Canada. The country's GDP contracted 0.1% year on year in the first quarter, and Rhee expressed hope that trade talks with the US will lead to a beneficial outcome for both sides.
24-04-2025
President Donald Trump stated that he could re-impose "reciprocal" tariffs on some countries in as little as two or three weeks, potentially escalating the global trade war and raising fears of a US and global recession. Trump had previously paused his massive tariffs on April 9 to allow countries to negotiate with the administration, but without deals, he could impose tariffs as high as 50% on some countries and 145% on China. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, suggested that the trade war with China is unsustainable and may de-escalate soon, but could take two to three years to restore normal trade. Trump's comments caused uncertainty for businesses and consumers, and the S&P 500 has lost $7 trillion in value since mid-February.
