Not yet call it a breakthrough; nonetheless, a long road still ahead before enduring peace. But the Tuesday US-Ukraine ceasefire deal marks a dramatic change in approach.
Following a contentious and acrimonious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House just one week ago, the US has stopped military aid and information sharing with Ukraine. Now, in a spectacular turn-around, US and Ukrainian diplomats have been able to heal relations and chart a future. Although the US- Ukraine truce is a good start, analysts warn that this is merely a temporary solution and does not ensure a long-term fix.
Is Trump's negotiating technique working?re
Trump’s diplomatic style has always been distinguished by a mix of audacious language, public threats, and unexpected compromises. This most recent development shows once more how receptive Trump is to negotiations despite his direct approach and readiness to spew insults.
“For him the swagger and browbeating are often an integral part of the negotiating process,” said a senior US official acquainted with the talks. “He excels in a setting where uncertainty provides him with advantage.”
Although this strategy has produced success in the past, it also contains major hazards. For the almost 60% of Americans who have investments in the US stock market, that has been shockingly clear in recent weeks. Some observers contend that Trump’s approach produces temporary successes but leaves long-term uncertainty, therefore influencing markets and world diplomacy.
What Is Going On Between the US and Canada?
Tuesday’s major market indices kept down as Trump escalated his trade conflict with Canada, the northern neighbor and biggest trading partner of America.
In retaliation for a planned Canadian fee on power exported to northern US states, Trump declared he would quadruple looming duties on Canadian steel and aluminum in a biting post on his Truth Social account.
“Canada becoming a US state is the only thing that makes sense,” Trump wrote—reiterating a divisive comment he had already made.
Trump’s strong posture yielded benefits within hours. For now, at least, Ontario Premier Doug Ford backed off from the intended energy fee. Trump responded by saying he would not go ahead with doubling the 25% tariffs, which are scheduled for Wednesday.
Still, the wider economic fallout from the continuous trade conflict has been catastrophic, taking trillions of dollars off the US stock market. The uncertainty still looms large given further tariffs maybe scheduled for next month against Canada and other trading partners. Continuous tariff increases run the danger of destabilizing North American economic relations, so impacting companies on both sides of the border, according to trade analysts.
Regarding Mining Rights in Ukraine?
Though Ukraine has agreed to a 30-day truce—provided Russia responds—there is still no indication of the US- Ukraine ceasefire accord addressing the mineral rights agreement the US has been pursuing. Trump has made it quite evident how much he wants a cut of Ukraine’s future mining earnings, so this could provide a significant roadblock in next talks.
“A major sticking point in the negotiations is the mineral rights issue,” stated a US official engaged in them. “Trump regards this as a significant economic advantage for the US, but Ukraine is hesitant to approve any agreement that might compromise its sovereignty.”
Critical minerals like lithium and rare earth metals abound in Ukraine and are much sought for in the defense and technology sectors. Any agreement incorporating these resources will need cautious diplomacy since Ukraine will have to reconcile national security with economic interests.
Will Russia adopt the proposal for a cease-fire?
Russia’s reaction is still the biggest unknown. Moscow has not indicated if Vladimir Putin will embrace the US-Ukraine ceasefire suggestion. Likewise vague is what the Trump government is ready to offer to get Putin to consent.
Experts speculate that Russia may demand concessions in other spheres, such easing some sanctions or acknowledging its territorial claims in contested areas. “Putin is a strategic player; he won’t agree to a ceasefire unless he gains something significant in return,” a geopolitical analyst said. “The real question is whether Trump is ready to negotiate a deal that would be seen as favorable for Moscow.”
Furthermore questions about whether a thirty-day truce is sufficient time to bring about long-lasting peace. Some military analysts think that the ceasefire might simply be a temporary stop before combat picks back up without a clear road plan for a lasting fix.
Can Trump fulfill his pledge to bring to war?
Notwithstanding these doubts, one of Trump’s main campaign pledges is clearly being fulfilled. Over much of last year’s presidential campaign, he argued he was the one able to halt the war following three years of intense warfare.
Proponents of Trump contend that his unorthodox diplomatic approach, which combines pressure with negotiation, has the power to break impasse in world disputes. Critics counter that hurried negotiations and inadequate enforcement systems have past peace attempts failed.
“Trump’s attitude is high-risk, high-reward,” said a veteran US ambassador. ” Should he be successful, he will be hailed as a dealmaker bringing peace. Should he fail, the war may intensify and the US may come under scrutiny in next peace negotiations for dependability.
Trump has taken a high-stakes approach whereby success might bring about economic stability and peace. But the cost of failure will be assessed in lives lost on the battlefield as much as in commercial losses. Still a major test of his global negotiating capacity is the US-Ukraine truce.
The next few weeks will be crucial in deciding whether this truce is the first step toward long-lasting peace or merely another brief stop in an ongoing conflict as the world observes.
