Trump says he hopes Russia and Ukraine will make peace deal this week
US President Donald Trump speaks after the swearing in of Mehmet Oz (R) as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services looks on in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2025. (AFP Photo)
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism Sunday that Russia and Ukraine could reach a peace agreement within the coming week, amid renewed calls from Washington to end the three-year war.
“BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, suggesting that peace could pave the way for future economic partnerships with both countries.
Trump administration has stepped up diplomatic efforts in recent weeks, and officials say the U.S. will reevaluate its role in the process unless meaningful progress is made soon.
Ceasefire breached as both sides trade blame
Trump’s remarks came just hours after Russia and Ukraine accused each other of violating a temporary Easter ceasefire ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The ceasefire, announced to coincide with Orthodox and Western Easter celebrations, began Saturday evening and was set to expire at midnight Sunday.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that there were no orders to extend the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of carrying out hundreds of attacks during the truce period.
“Either Putin does not have full control over his army, or this shows that Russia is not genuinely interested in peace,” Zelenskyy posted on X. He proposed a 30-day halt to drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure as a step toward a longer ceasefire.
Moscow says Ukraine launched over 900 drone strikes
Russia’s Defense Ministry responded by accusing Ukraine of violating the truce more than 1,000 times, including over 900 drone attacks on Russian-held territory and cross-border regions. It reported civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Ukrainian military officials noted that front-line activity had decreased in some areas, but field reports and social media posts by Ukrainian soldiers indicated ongoing skirmishes and shelling.
Trump links peace to economic prosperity
Trump, who returned to office in January, has linked potential peace in Eastern Europe with expanded economic ties. He reiterated Sunday that the U.S. would support both nations in “big business” deals if a resolution is reached.
According to Ukrainian officials, Kyiv is currently negotiating a minerals agreement with Washington, while the Trump administration is reportedly considering easing some sanctions on Russia’s energy sector if Moscow agrees to stop hostilities.
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