### Trump Claims Russia Easier to Negotiate with than Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict - In a series of recent statements, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed that he finds negotiating with Russia to be "easier" than with Ukraine as he attempts to broker a peace deal between the two nations. His comments come in the context of escalating tensions and military actions in Ukraine, where Russian forces have intensified their attacks. Trump’s remarks were made during a business roundtable discussion on March 11, 2025, following high-level talks between Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia [https://weeklyblitz.net/2025/03/13/trump-says-russia-easier-to-deal-with-than-ukraine-amid-ceasefire-talks]. ### Breakdown of Trump's Position and Actions 1. **Negotiation Dynamics**: Trump has indicated that he perceives Russia as more amenable to negotiations than Ukraine, stating, "I find that in terms of getting a final settlement, it may be easier dealing with Russia" [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/donald-trump-russia-easier-to-deal-than-ukraine-putin-zelenskyy-9874589]. 2. **Military Aid and Pressure**: The Trump administration has paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, using this as leverage to encourage Kyiv to accept a ceasefire deal. This strategy has raised concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-top-diplomat-rubio-tells-ukraine-that-trump-wants-to-end-war-as-soon-as-possible]. 3. **Public Statements and Reactions**: Trump's public comments have sparked controversy, especially as they come during a time of heightened military aggression from Russia. He has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in peace, despite the ongoing conflict [https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/mar/7/donald-trump-says-hard-deal-ukraine-russia-escalates-attacks]. 4. **Zelensky's Response**: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed readiness for negotiations, indicating a shift in Ukraine's stance following Trump's pressure. This development suggests a potential opening for dialogue, although the effectiveness of Trump's approach remains to be seen [https://menafn.com/1109283444/Zelensky-announces-Kiev-is-now-ready-for-peace-negotiations-with-Russia]. ### Supporting Evidence and Context - **Military Aid Suspension**: Trump's decision to pause military assistance to Ukraine is a significant factor in his negotiation strategy, as it directly impacts Ukraine's defense capabilities [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-war-trump-us-intel-weapons-pause-zelenskyy-putin-peace]. - **Public Sentiment**: Trump's remarks have been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing his approach as pragmatic while others criticize it as undermining Ukraine's sovereignty [https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/deluded-donald-trump-using-threats-34808344]. - **Potential Outcomes**: The ongoing negotiations and Trump's tactics could lead to a shift in the conflict dynamics, but the long-term implications for U.S.-Ukraine relations remain uncertain [https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2025/3/7/trump-says-more-difficult-to-deal-with-ukraine-than-russia-2]. ### Conclusion: An Uncertain Path Forward - **Key Findings**: 1. Trump believes negotiating with Russia is easier than with Ukraine, which he views as less cooperative. 2. The suspension of military aid to Ukraine is a strategic move to pressure Kyiv into negotiations. 3. Zelensky's willingness to engage in talks indicates a potential shift in Ukraine's approach, but the effectiveness of Trump's strategy is still in question. - **Next Steps**: The international community will be watching closely as negotiations unfold, with the hope that a peaceful resolution can be achieved despite the complexities involved in the ongoing conflict [https://www.rt.com/news/614054-trump-russia-easier-deal].