Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the Atomflot enterprise, which oversees icebreaker projects, in Murmansk, Russia March 27, 2025. Sputnik/Sergei Karpukhin/Pool via REUTERS
Russia and U.S. Engage in Talks on Ukraine Peace Settlement and Bilateral Relations
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
The Kremlin announced on Monday that Russia and the United States are working on potential ideas for a peace settlement in Ukraine and are also seeking to rebuild bilateral ties. This statement came despite U.S. President Donald Trump expressing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump told NBC News that he was “pissed off” after Putin questioned the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The U.S. president also suggested imposing secondary tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% on buyers of Russian oil. However, Trump later stated to reporters that despite his disappointment with Putin, “progress” was being made in negotiations.
Kremlin’s Response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed Trump’s remarks, confirming that Russia continues to engage with the U.S. on diplomatic and bilateral matters. He emphasized Putin’s openness to communication with Trump.
“We are continuing to work with the American side, first of all to rebuild our bilateral relations, which suffered significantly during the previous (U.S.) administration,” Peskov said. “We are also working on implementing certain ideas related to a Ukrainian settlement. However, due to the complexity of this process, there are no specifics to share at this time.”
While no official call between Trump and Putin is scheduled for this week, Peskov stated that a conversation could be arranged at short notice if necessary.
Peace Negotiations and International Perspectives
Trump has repeatedly emphasized his desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, advocating for an end to the three-year conflict in Ukraine. He has also warned about the risks of escalating tensions between the United States and Russia.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, following a meeting with Trump in Florida, stated that he believes Trump is the only leader capable of brokering a ceasefire in Ukraine, given Putin’s respect for him. Stubb noted that Trump expressed frustration over Russia’s reluctance to commit to a ceasefire.
Proposed Economic Measures
Since assuming office in January, Trump has shifted U.S. policy towards a more conciliatory stance with Russia, raising concerns among Western allies. His recent comments indicate growing impatience over the lack of progress in ceasefire negotiations.
Trump warned that if Russia does not cooperate in halting the bloodshed in Ukraine, he would implement secondary tariffs on Russian oil. “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 … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump said.
He further elaborated, stating, “If you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States. There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”
Oil markets remained relatively stable on Monday, as traders attempted to gauge the potential impact of Trump’s proposed tariffs on Russia, the world’s second-largest oil exporter. China and India, which together purchase approximately 80% of Russian crude exports, have responded cautiously. Chinese traders appeared unconcerned, while Beijing reaffirmed that its cooperation with Russia was independent of third-party influence. India has declined to comment.
Rare Earth Minerals Cooperation
As part of efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, discussions on mineral cooperation have emerged between Kyiv and Moscow. However, Trump stated on Sunday that Zelenskiy was reconsidering a proposed deal.
Russia and the U.S. have also begun discussions on joint projects related to rare earth metals and other ventures within Russia. According to Putin’s investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, some companies have already expressed interest in these opportunities.
“There are no specifics yet, but the interest is evident. The interest is mutual because we are talking about mutually beneficial projects,” Peskov confirmed.
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