The continuation of US sanctions and initiatives in Congress indicate that economic pressure on Russia is maintained. At the same time, the Donald Trump administration is launching new diplomatic formats, involving businessman Jared Kushner in the process as a special envoy. European intelligence services are questioning Moscow's readiness for real peace, and Kyiv is preparing to determine further negotiation tactics. The combination of these decisions forms a complex and multi-vector international strategy around the war in Ukraine.
Trump extended sanctions against Russia for another year
US President Donald Trump extended sanctions against Russia, introduced in connection with its aggression against Ukraine, for one year. The relevant decision was made through the extension of the state of emergency previously declared by Executive Order 13660. The document states:
“In accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am extending for one year the state of emergency declared by Executive Order 13660.” The decision will take effect on March 6.
This is an extension of a set of restrictions that were introduced by various US administrations in 2014, 2018, and 2022 in response to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. The sanctions cover the financial, energy, and defense sectors, as well as personal restrictions against Russian officials and companies.
Thus, Washington maintains the current sanctions regime despite parallel diplomatic efforts to resolve the war. The decision has become a formal procedure that allows maintaining the legal basis for further restrictive measures.
Zelensky announced a meeting on further steps after the talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported, that on Friday he will hold a special meeting with the participants of the negotiating group after their return from Switzerland. According to him, all representatives of the delegation are already arriving in Ukraine, and the discussion will take place directly in Kyiv.
“Today, all participants of our negotiating group will be in Ukraine, and for tomorrow I have scheduled a special meeting with them on our further steps, our decisions,” the head of state said.
He stressed that some aspects of the negotiations cannot be discussed by phone.
The president specified that after the report, the framework for further contacts with partners will be determined.
“We will also determine the further framework for the conversation with our partners – with the American side, with the Europeans and with the Russian side,” he noted.
This is about coordinating positions after the next round of negotiations in Geneva. Kyiv seeks to agree on a further diplomatic strategy taking into account the course of discussions and the current situation on the front.
Trump to appoint Jared Kushner as special envoy for peace
US President Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint his son-in-law Jared Kushner as special envoy for peace. He made the corresponding statement during the “Board of Peace” event, which was attended by leaders of several states. Trump praised Kushner for his previous participation in the Middle East negotiations and noted:
“A very smart guy. We are also making Jared an envoy for peace. They are both envoys for peace, and I will tell you what - I look at these guys and think: at least from an IQ point of view, we are protected.”
Special envoy Steve Witkoff will continue to work with him in this role.
Kushner said that the new initiative is aimed at finding solutions to long-standing conflicts.
“We can’t change the past, but I think that what What you see today is that we can potentially change the future if we focus and do it right,” he said.
According to him, the council’s approach is based on private sector models and is designed to unite different parties around a common goal of peace. Separately, Trump announced his intention to allocate up to $10 billion for the stabilization and reconstruction of Gaza, but did not specify the details of the financing.
European intelligence agencies doubt the possibility of a quick peace in Ukraine
The heads of five European intelligence services have expressed skepticism about the possibility of reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia this year. Аccordingto them, Moscow is not interested in a quick end to the war and is using negotiations with the United States to advance its own strategic interests. One of the representatives of the intelligence services characterized the current process as a “negotiation theater.” At the same time, the White House claims progress and is approaching agreements.
According to one of the heads intelligence:
“Russia is not seeking a peace deal. It is seeking its strategic goals, and they have not changed.”
Among such goals are the removal of President Volodymyr Zelensky and the transformation of Ukraine into a neutral buffer zone. Other Reuters sources noted that Moscow is simultaneously promoting the idea of economic agreements with the United States, including the potential easing of sanctions. Despite the difficulties in the Russian economy, some officials believe that the country is able to withstand sanctions pressure for a long time.
US senators called for increased pressure on Russia
A group of US Democratic senators, during a visit to Ukraine, called for increased sanctions pressure on Russia instead of limiting diplomatic talks. Senator Jeanne Shaheen was stated: was stated:
“I hope that when we return, we will see more determined efforts and real work to put pressure on Putin.”
Lawmakers are in favor of adopting a bill on sanctions against countries that buy Russian oil, gas and uranium. The initiative already has the support of 85 senators, but has not yet been put to a vote.
Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized:
“We are united in the fact that countries that buy Russian oil and gas – China, India, Hungary, Brazil – should be given very strong incentives to stop doing so.”
Lawmakers also support strengthening control over the so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers that transport Russian oil. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse stated:
“Nobody, literally nobody, believes that Russia is acting in good faith in its negotiations with our government and the Ukrainian people. And so pressure becomes the key.”
Some senators emphasized that they would not ratify any agreement that would force Ukraine to make excessive concessions without clear security guarantees.
Photo: dailylviv.com
Author: Danylo Pievchev