US President Donald Trump has expressed that he is encountering more significant challenges in negotiating peace with Ukraine compared to Russia.
During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump stated that the United States is “doing very well with Russia,” suggesting that “it may be easier dealing with” Moscow than with Kyiv.
Earlier in the day, Trump indicated that he was “strongly considering” implementing extensive sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire with Ukraine is achieved.
In a significant development, the United States has temporarily suspended Ukraine’s access to certain satellite imagery, as reported by space technology firm Maxar to BBC Verify. This decision follows former President Trump’s prior suspension of military aid to Ukraine.
One week following a remarkable exchange at the White House, President Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for what he deemed “disrespectful” behavior towards the United States.
This week, the public reprimand was succeeded by Trump’s decision to halt all US military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv.
On Thursday night, Russia launched a significant missile and drone assault targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
In response to the recent attack, Trump has issued a warning regarding the possibility of imposing additional sanctions on Russia, which is already facing significant restrictions. He stated that he is contemplating the implementation of new tariffs, emphasizing that “Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now.”
Within hours, Trump remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin was behaving in a manner consistent with anyone else in his position.
Trump remarked, “I believe he is striking them [Ukraine] with greater intensity than before.” “It is likely that anyone in that position would be taking similar actions at this moment.”
He believed that Putin sought to conclude the war, though he expressed uncertainty regarding Ukraine’s intentions.
“I want to understand if they [Ukraine] are interested in reaching a settlement, but I’m uncertain about their intentions,” Trump stated in response to a question regarding his decision to halt aid to Kyiv.
Trump’s direct engagement with Putin has taken NATO allies by surprise, particularly as the West has primarily avoided interactions with Moscow following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
In the wake of Trump’s contentious relationship with Zelensky, recent statements from his foreign policy team have taken on a more conciliatory tone regarding Ukraine. This shift comes after a significant reduction in military and intelligence support for the country.
US officials are urging President Zelensky to finalize an agreement that would secure significant access to Ukraine’s mineral resources while also pushing for a swift ceasefire with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky advocates for robust security guarantees for Kyiv, which he seeks to establish as a key component of the ongoing negotiations. In a statement on Friday, Trump indicated that the topic of a security guarantee could be addressed at a later time, describing it as the “easy part” of the discussion.
On Friday, space technology firm Maxar informed BBC Verify that the United States has temporarily restricted Ukrainian access to specific high-quality imagery from its satellites.
During conflicts, satellite imagery is a crucial resource for military forces, enabling them to collect vital intelligence on opposing factions.
Maxar, an American firm, holds contracts to supply satellite imagery to various governments and corporations.
The Global Enhanced GEOINT Deliver (GEGD) program stands out as a significant initiative, providing users access to high-quality imagery gathered by the US government.
Maxar informed the BBC that the US government temporarily suspended Ukrainian accounts in GEGD. “Customers are empowered to make individual choices regarding the utilization and sharing of their data.”
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, a component of the US Department of Defence, has confirmed that the suspension aligns with the administration’s directive regarding support for Ukraine.
In the coming week, senior officials from the Trump administration are set to journey to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Zelensky’s team, as pressure mounts for the Ukrainian leader to acquiesce to Trump’s demands.
The president of Ukraine expressed optimism that the upcoming discussions will yield significant outcomes. On Friday, he declared that his nation was “prepared for peace at the earliest opportunity” and had put forward “specific measures” to realize this goal.
“With each passing day, the ongoing Russian strikes and the stark reality on the ground underscore the necessity of compelling Russia to pursue peace,” he stated.
In the aftermath of his public confrontation with Trump, Zelensky conveyed his remorse and actively sought to repair ties with the United States.
On Thursday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff reported that Trump had received a letter from Zelensky containing an “apology” and a “sense of gratitude.””
“We are optimistic about getting things back on track with the Ukrainians and resuming normal operations,” Witkoff stated.
Officials in the UK have reported that approximately 20 nations are expressing interest in joining a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine, as European leaders advance their plans for significantly increased military spending.
On Friday, ground combat in Ukraine persisted, resulting in the deaths of five individuals in the Donetsk region, as reported by local officials.
