There is growing tension surrounding the U.S.’s attempts to mediate a resolution to the prolonged conflict between Ukraine and Russia. A German official cast doubt on the effectiveness of the negotiations led by the U.S., while a Chinese official struck a more positive tone regarding the efforts to secure a ceasefire.
During her visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned the U.S. against falling for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s delaying tactics. She also called on Europe to support Ukraine, characterizing the talks between the U.S. and Russia as at a standstill, as reported by the Associated Press.
Conversely, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi disputed Baerbock’s evaluation of the discussions between the U.S. and Russia, asserting that progress was indeed being achieved. China’s alliance with Russia has strengthened throughout the course of the conflict in Ukraine, as Beijing has extended diplomatic backing and established itself as a key trade partner for Moscow.
Trump will be speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin about a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire this Tuesday.
Trump also said in a weekend interview that he was “pissed off” at Putin for lashing out at Zelenskyy.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC News.
President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2025. (REUTERS/Leah Millis)
The U.S. has struggled in its efforts to secure an immediate 30-day ceasefire deal, despite Moscow saying it agreed with a truce “in principle.”
In mid-March, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said “the ball is now in Russia’s court” when it comes to ending the war that has persisted for more than three years.
Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
