Trump Hopes China Will Help Push Russia Towards Ukraine Peace Talks
Donald Trump has expressed a desire for China’s assistance in navigating relations with Russia to forge a path toward peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. I’d like China to help us out with Russia, he stated aboard Air Force One during a recent trip to Asia, where he plans to meet with President Xi Jinping in South Korea. However, this might be optimistic, as China remains Russia’s closest ally, providing crucial support following the Western sanctions imposed due to the conflict.
Trump’s remarks come in the wake of a challenging week for Ukraine, marked by the U.S. refusal to supply Tomahawk cruise missiles and the EU’s decision not to release frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s defense. The urgency to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war has grown increasingly prominent in Trump’s agenda, but a ceasefire agreement has remained elusive. A previously scheduled summit with Vladimir Putin yielded no substantive progress, leading to Trump’s rising frustration. Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations and then they don’t go anywhere, he lamented.
The Role of Sanctions on Russian Oil
In response to the ongoing hostilities, Trump has announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil firms—marking the administration’s first direct interventions related to the war. The long-term impact of these sanctions remains uncertain, yet the Kremlin has claimed it is immune to such actions.
During his upcoming meeting with Xi, Trump anticipates discussing a wide range of topics, including the conflict in Ukraine. I have a very good relationship with President Xi, Trump noted, emphasizing that Xi also seeks a resolution to the war. He believes that the Chinese leader can exert significant influence over Putin.
Despite the U.S. and its allies accusing Beijing of supporting Russia’s military efforts—allegations China denies through its purchases of Russian oil and dual-use materials—Xi and Putin have consistently celebrated their nations’ friendship as with no limits.
As Trump made these statements, Ukraine faced another wave of Russian strikes, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive damage in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to increase their support, emphasizing, No country should be left alone in the face of such evil.
In summary, Trump’s hope for China’s involvement in pushing Russia toward peace talks illustrates a complex diplomatic landscape where alliances are pivotal in the quest for resolution.