President Trump stated on Thursday that he trusts Vladimir Putin when he says he will not violate the terms of a potential peace agreement with Ukraine. 'I think he will keep his word,' Trump said about Putin while hosting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House.
Trump's comments highlighted his affinity for Putin just a day before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to arrive in Washington to finalize a deal on mineral extraction in Ukraine. Trump insists on access to Ukraine's rare earth metals to offset the billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid the United States has provided to Ukraine over three years.
Meanwhile, speaking with journalists at the meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Trump could not recall calling Volodymyr Zelensky a 'dictator without elections.' 'Did I say that? I can't believe I said that. Next question,' the US President said while speaking with journalists. Later, he stated that he 'respects' Zelensky 'very much.'
On the same day, Donald Trump extended sanctions against Russia for a year due to the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukraine, which were imposed in 2014, 2018, and 2022. All these restrictions 'should remain in effect after March 6, 2025,' the document states. Two days ago, Trump announced that he is not currently considering lifting sanctions against Russia as part of the negotiation process, but he allowed for such a possibility in the future.
In the first weeks of his presidency, Trump ended Russia's diplomatic isolation, falsely accused Ukraine of starting a war with Russia, and repeatedly spoke disparagingly of Zelensky, including calling him a 'dictator.' However, on Thursday, he seemed to change his stance, predicting that they would have a good personal meeting.
Starmer became the latest in a line of European leaders to visit Washington in hopes of persuading Trump, who insists on negotiations with the Russians to end the war. Earlier this week, he was visited by French President Emmanuel Macron. Starmer was more blunt in his wording than other European leaders. 'History should be on the side of the peacemaker, not the aggressor,' he said, standing next to Trump in the East Room of the White House. He added that the UK will do everything to support Ukraine and its military capabilities because 'only then will peace last long.'
Photo: Guardian