Trump team seeks to broker Russia-Ukraine truce by April 20 – Bloomberg

The United States still hopes that a full ceasefire in the Russian war against Ukraine can be achieved within a few weeks.

Sources say that the White House is seeking to conclude a truce agreement by April 20, which is Easter this year. At the same time, Donald Trump's administration acknowledges that the deadline may be shifted due to the different positions of the parties.

Trump said on Friday, March 21, that “we’re going to pretty soon have a full ceasefire.” European officials fear that Trump's desire to reach a quick resolution to the war will lead him to sacrifice Ukraine's interests by agreeing to terms that will leave the country vulnerable to future Russian attacks.

Also, European officials are skeptical that Trump will increase pressure on Moscow if it resists a peace deal.

Earlier the media had already voiced April 20 as the deadline for the US to call a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. However, no such date has been officially announced.

Truce in Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed introducing a ceasefire in the air and at sea as the first steps to resolve the war. Following a meeting between the Ukrainian and US teams in Saudi Arabia on March 11, the US side proposed a comprehensive truce.

Ukraine agreed to the proposal, and Russia is expected to respond. However, the Kremlin does not give final consent but makes demands.

During their conversation, US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin allegedly agreed to stop strikes on the energy sector, but Russia continues to attack.

Recently, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new meeting between the Ukrainian and US teams. It will take place on Monday, March 24, in Saudi Arabia. According to the Foreign Ministry, it will be a technical meeting to discuss the parameters of proposals for various ceasefire regimes.