In a recent development, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the war in Ukraine may soon come to an end, citing Russia’s willingness to settle due to the recent decline in oil prices. Trump made these remarks while addressing reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, stating, “I think Russia with the price of oil right now, oil has gone down, we are in a good position to settle, they want to settle. Ukraine wants to settle.”
The price of oil, a crucial driver of the Russian economy, has fallen by approximately $15 a barrel since the start of the year. This significant drop has potentially weakened Russia’s stance, making them more inclined towards peace. Trump added, “We’ve come a long way, and, it could be something will happen, but hopefully it will.” The conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into the country, has resulted in a substantial loss of life and injury to scores of soldiers.
The US president has consistently expressed his desire to end the “bloodbath” in Ukraine, which his administration views as a proxy war between the United States and Russia. In a recent gesture, Putin proposed a three-day ceasefire to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two. Trump acknowledged this development, saying, “As you know, President Putin just announced a three-day ceasefire – which doesn’t sound like much but it’s a lot if you knew where we started from. This is a war that should never have happened.”
Despite the optimistic tone, the true extent of the war’s casualties remains unclear, as neither side has released up-to-date figures. Trump suggested that the actual number of fatalities is higher than what most media outlets have reported. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has indicated that a meeting between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia could be necessary, although Putin has no planned trips to the Middle East in mid-May. Trump, however, plans to visit Saudi Arabia as early as May.
In a related development, the US and Ukraine have signed an agreement granting the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian mineral deals and funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction. This move underscores the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and promote economic cooperation between the two nations. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains hopeful that a lasting peace can be achieved, bringing an end to the devastating war in Ukraine.
