Russia pushing back on reported cease-fire deal with Ukraine

During the presidential campaign, Donald Trump thought he could have the Russia-Ukraine war over before he even took office.

That did not quite come to fruition, but they are getting closer, we Russia reportedly agreeing in principle to a deal, but not all of the conditions have been hammered out.

Not Ready to Say Yes

I really do believe that Putin wants this war to end, but he is just trying to figure out a way to save face for launching a war that has now been going on for more than two years, a war that most thought would be over in two days.

And while Trump has been publicly putting pressure on Ukraine to take a deal, Putin also knows that when push comes to shove, Trump will not allow Ukraine to fall, especially now that he is about to get his hands on those mineral rights for the United States.

A deal has been presented, but Putin is still not sold, stating, "The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it. But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to discuss it with our American colleagues and partners.

"We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis."

Sticking Point

That second line of Putin’s statement above is key in all of this.

If there is a ceasefire, Putin does not want the United States to be able to resupply Ukraine during that time.

From what I have read, Putin is more interested in a permanent deal, not a temporary one like Israel and Hamas negotiated several times during that war.

So, the question then becomes what Putin wants for a permanent deal and how much territory Ukraine will be willing to give up, if any, in order to get both names on that piece of paper? Trump needs to find that middle ground, as well as providing Ukraine with the protections it needs to maintain its sovereignty.

Trump Still Hopeful

Trump has always looked at himself as a sort of peacekeeper, and this would be a huge feather in his cap, which is likely why he is putting so much pressure on Ukraine to sign a deal.

To that point, even with Putin showing resistance to a deal, Trump stated, "We know where we are with Ukraine. Hopefully they’ll [Russia] do the right thing.”

After Putin’s latest statement, Trump added, "He put out a very promising statement, but it wasn't complete. I'd love to meet with him or talk to him, but we have to get it over with fast."

About two weeks ago, I had stated that I expected Trump to have this over within six months, but more likely three, and I still hold myself to that. I think there will be great strides on this over the next few weeks, and, hopefully, a peace deal will be signed before May.