Russia-Ukraine War: Key Developments Since Trump’s Inauguration

The war in Ukraine has taken a new turn since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the President of the United States on January 20, 2025. His administration has adopted a drastically different approach compared to his predecessor, leading to intense diplomatic maneuvers and controversial negotiations. Trump had promised to end the war in Ukraine "in 24 hours," but the reality has proven to be more complicated. Here’s a look at the key developments that have taken place since his return to the White House.

Trump Pressures Moscow for a Deal

Immediately after taking office, Trump publicly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a deal with Ukraine, stating that continued conflict was "destroying Russia." His administration then moved quickly, issuing threats of sanctions against Russia on January 22 if a deal was not reached. This marked a shift from the previous U.S. policy of unconditional military and financial support for Ukraine.

On January 24, Putin responded by expressing willingness to negotiate with Trump. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders voiced concerns over any potential deal being struck without their involvement.

The Minerals Negotiation

In early February, Trump introduced a new angle to the conflict by proposing that Ukraine grant the U.S. access to 50 percent of its natural resources in exchange for past and future military aid. This proposal was seen as an attempt to turn U.S. support into a business deal rather than a strategic alliance.

Zelensky rejected the initial offer on February 15, arguing that Ukraine needed concrete security guarantees rather than economic arrangements. The refusal further strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.

U.S.-Russia Relations Take a New Direction

On February 12, Trump announced that he and Putin had agreed to initiate "immediate" peace talks. The announcement came as a shock to many, especially after the U.S. had previously maintained a hardline stance against Moscow.

As part of the talks, Trump’s administration signaled a shift in NATO policy by stating that Ukraine’s goal of joining the alliance and regaining all territories lost to Russia, including Crimea, was "unrealistic." This statement was a major departure from past U.S. commitments to Ukrainian sovereignty.

On February 18, U.S. and Russian foreign ministers held a high-level meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first such diplomatic engagement between the two nations since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump-Zelensky Clash

Trump's stance on the war and his negotiations with Russia soon led to an explosive confrontation with Zelensky. On February 19-20, Trump criticized Zelensky publicly, calling him a "dictator" and placing the blame for the war on Ukraine rather than Russia.

The tension escalated on February 28 when Zelensky visited Washington to finalize a minerals deal. In a dramatic televised exchange, Trump accused Zelensky of "disrespecting the United States" and warned that if Ukraine did not make peace with Russia, "we’re out." This public fallout marked a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Suspension of U.S. Military Aid

Following the heated exchange, Trump suspended military aid to Ukraine on March 3, along with halting intelligence-sharing on Ukrainian troop positions. This decision left Ukraine’s forces in a precarious situation, as they relied heavily on U.S. support for defense against Russian advances.

Zelensky, realizing the dire consequences of losing American military aid, attempted to mend ties with Trump by making conciliatory statements. Meanwhile, the European Union stepped up, approving a massive 800 billion euro plan on March 6 to enhance European security and support Ukraine.

Ukraine Accepts a U.S.-Brokered Truce

With Ukraine’s military situation worsening, the government accepted a U.S.-brokered plan on March 11 for a temporary ceasefire with Russia. The agreement allowed for a 30-day halt in hostilities and the resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing.

Additionally, the U.S. and Ukraine reached an understanding to finalize a minerals agreement, though details remained unclear.

Putin’s Conditions for Peace

Despite the temporary pause, Russia continued making gains on the battlefield, rapidly reclaiming territories previously lost to Ukraine.

On March 18, Trump and Putin had another phone call, during which they agreed to a 30-day halt in Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, immediate negotiations for ending the war, and a prisoner exchange. However, there was no agreement on a full ceasefire.

Putin also set conditions for a lasting peace, demanding an end to Western military aid and economic assistance to Ukraine.

The Road Ahead

As the war continues, a crucial U.S.-Russia meeting is set to take place in Saudi Arabia on March 24, following U.S.-Ukraine discussions the previous day. However, the Kremlin has already warned that the road to peace will be long and difficult.

Trump’s approach has undeniably changed the dynamics of the war, leading to new diplomatic engagements but also causing deep rifts between Washington and Kyiv. With Ukraine’s future hanging in the balance, the world watches closely to see whether Trump’s strategy will lead to a lasting peace or a deeper crisis.