Trump: "Ceasefire in Ukraine Now Depends on Russia"...Pressuring Putin to Join

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 12th (local time), "Now (the ceasefire) depends on Russia."

President Trump made this statement during public remarks before a summit with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin at the White House, saying, "People are currently going to Russia." This comment came after the United States and Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war.

President Trump said, "We have achieved about half of the ceasefire, and if Russia can be made to stop, a complete ceasefire is possible," adding, "I don't think the war will start again."

He added, "We have a complicated situation, but one side has been largely resolved. We discussed territorial issues and other matters," and continued, "We talked very substantially and specifically because we don't want to waste time."

When asked if he was confident that Russian President Vladimir Putin would keep his promises if a ceasefire agreement was reached, Trump responded, "I haven't spoken with him yet on this topic. We have received some positive messages, but positive messages are nothing (considering the current serious situation)."

When asked if he could put pressure on Russia or impose sanctions to reach a ceasefire agreement, he said, "I could," but added, "I hope it won't be necessary. I could take financially very bad measures against Russia. This would be devastating for Russia. But I don't want to do that because I want peace."

The previous day, the United States and Ukraine held high-level talks in Saudi Arabia and agreed to pursue a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, which began with Russia's invasion. The U.S. urged Russia to accept the agreement as well.

The White House reported that National Security Advisor Michael Waltz spoke with his Russian counterpart that day. Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy and close associate, is also scheduled to visit Russia this week.

Shin Yonghyun, Hankyung.com reporter yonghyun@hankyung.com