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In a notable shift from his previous stance, US President Donald Trump has now suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be intentionally slowing down the process of securing a ceasefire with Ukraine, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Washington. In an interview with Newsmax, Trump stated, "I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they're dragging their feet. I just want to see it stop. I also don't want to pay," implying that while he supports ending the war, he remains wary of additional US financial involvement in the conflict.
Trump’s remarks came shortly after the White House confirmed a significant development — both Russia and Ukraine had reportedly agreed to pause military operations in the Black Sea and initiate negotiations aimed at establishing a more comprehensive ceasefire to safeguard vital energy infrastructure. However, the Kremlin added a condition: the agreement would only take effect if Western nations lifted sanctions on Russia. This demand immediately raised eyebrows in Washington and Kyiv, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning that Moscow was attempting to manipulate the situation to its advantage.
Russia also pushed back against claims that it had agreed to hand over control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant — Europe’s largest nuclear facility — to Ukraine, further muddying the waters around the ceasefire talks. The plant, which has been under Russian control since the early months of the invasion, remains a flashpoint of international concern due to the risk of a nuclear disaster.
Zelenskyy responded forcefully to the Kremlin’s stance, accusing Russia of distorting the agreed-upon terms to prolong the conflict. In a video address to the nation, he stated, "Unfortunately, right on the day of the talks, we see how the Russians have already started to manipulate. They are already trying to distort the agreements and actually deceive our mediators and the whole world."
The Ukrainian leader specifically called out Moscow’s insistence that the ceasefire’s start date hinged on lifting sanctions, dismissing the claim as a calculated lie. "There are absolutely clear statements published by the White House. Everyone can see what is stated there. And there is something that the Kremlin is lying about again: that supposedly silence in the Black Sea depends on the issue of sanctions and that supposedly the date for the start of 'silence' on energy is March 18. Moscow always lies. And it depends on the world — on everyone who really needs peace — whether they will allow Moscow to lie again," Zelenskyy said.
He also urged Western nations to prepare additional sanctions, warning that if Russia fails to honor the agreement, stronger economic and diplomatic measures must follow. "Russia's stance is prolonging the conflict in Ukraine, and further sanctions and pressure should be imposed on Moscow should the agreements reached fail," Zelenskyy added, stressing that only sustained international pressure could force the Kremlin to act in good faith.
This latest round of accusations and counter-accusations underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire efforts. While the White House remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for peace talks to gain traction, the conditions set by Moscow — particularly its demand for sanctions relief — are widely seen as a significant roadblock.
Analysts suggest that Putin may be using the negotiations to buy time, secure leverage, or weaken Western resolve, particularly as US and European leaders face mounting domestic pressures over the cost of supporting Ukraine. Trump’s remarks, emphasizing his reluctance for America to continue footing the bill, could reflect a broader sentiment among US voters, especially with the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon.
For Zelenskyy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With Ukraine’s economy battered, its energy infrastructure under constant attack, and its troops engaged in grueling battles along the eastern front, he knows that any pause in hostilities — even a temporary one — could provide a much-needed respite. However, he remains adamant that Ukraine will not accept any deal that sacrifices its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this ceasefire deal has any chance of holding — or if it will collapse under the weight of mistrust and political maneuvering. Meanwhile, both sides continue to fortify their positions on the battlefield, seemingly preparing for the possibility that diplomacy fails yet again.
