The Trump administration continues to walk a fine line between statements of support for Ukraine and a desire to negotiate with Moscow. The president has expressed confidence in Putin regarding the ceasefire, while his spiritual adviser visits wounded Ukrainian soldiers. At the same time, most Ukrainians doubt the intentions of the United States, and Kyiv is engaged in difficult negotiations with Washington on strategic cooperation.
Trump expresses confidence in Putin to honour ceasefire
US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that Russian President Vladimir Putin will honour his commitments to the ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump stressed the importance of an agreement that would prevent further military casualties on both sides and reiterated his threat to impose additional tariffs on Russian oil if the ceasefire is not respected.
rump's spiritual adviser visits Ukrainian military in Kyiv
Pastor Mark Burns, spiritual adviser to US President Donald Trump, visited the Main Military Clinical Hospital in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian soldiers who are undergoing treatment for their injuries. He also delivered humanitarian aid and spoke with the hospital's management.
Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Reuven Asman, who accompanied Burns, emphasised the importance of meetings at this level to support the Ukrainian military and to convey the truth about Russian aggression to the US leadership. Burns also visited Bucha, Irpin and Borodyanka, where he personally saw the consequences of the Russian army's crimes.
67% of Ukrainians believe that the US is tired of the war and is putting pressure on Kyiv
According to a recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 67% of Ukrainians believe that the United States is tired of the war in Ukraine and is putting pressure on Kyiv for concessions. At the same time, only 24% see the US as an ally seeking a just peace.
The study shows a change in the attitude of Ukrainians towards the West: in 2022, 73% of respondents believed in the support of the United States and Europe, but by 2024 this figure had fallen to 49%. Currently, 62% of Ukrainians see Europe as an ally, while trust in the United States is much lower.
Ukraine and the US are working on a minerals agreement
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also reported, that Kyiv has begun consultations with Washington on signing an agreement on joint mining. The Ukrainian side emphasises that the document must meet the interests of both countries.
Sibiga noted that the first round of negotiations has already taken place and that Ukraine is seeking to attract large American companies to its economy, which will contribute to its security infrastructure.
Marco Rubio to visit Brussels to discuss aid to Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Brussels on 2-4 April to attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. One of the key topics will be increased support for Ukraine and long-term guarantees for its security.
In addition to Ukraine, Rubio plans to discuss threats from China and preparations for the Hague Summit. The United States insists on strengthening the alliance's defence capabilities and increasing military investment.
Author: Danylo Pievchev