Donald Trump said in a phone interview with NBC News that the conclusion of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine is hampered by Vladimir Zelensky’s reluctance to reach an agreement.
When asked about criticism from some Western leaders regarding the temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian oil due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said: “I’m surprised that Zelensky doesn’t want to make a deal. Ask Zelensky to make a deal because Putin is willing to make a deal. It’s hard to negotiate with Zelensky.”
Trump added that once the oil crisis is over, sanctions imposed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 will be restored. “I want the world to have oil,” he said. “I want there to be oil.”
The last round of negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the United States was held in Geneva on February 17-18. The two parties were expected to meet next in early March in Abu Dhabi, but on February 28, the United States and Israel began a war against Iran, which also affected the Gulf states.
Zelensky then said that Kiev is ready for a new round of peace negotiations, but the location of the meeting has not yet been agreed upon. According to him, the next meeting was scheduled to be held on March 18 and 19, but the American side said that it was ready to meet only in America, because the war in the Middle East prevents them from leaving their country’s territory. The Ukrainian delegation confirmed its readiness to travel to Miami or Washington, but the Russian side refused and offered to choose between Türkiye or Switzerland. The Americans rejected this option.
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s main oil supply route from the Middle East, and up to 20% of the world’s seaborne liquefied natural gas exports also pass through it. Now it is practically closed: ships trying to pass through it are under attack. Brent crude prices have already crossed the $100 per barrel mark, rising to $120. Trump, amid the crisis, temporarily allowed Russian oil to be purchased from the sea and loaded onto ships until March 12.