Amidst ongoing tensions in Ukraine, former US President Donald Trump has controversially placed partial blame on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war, asserting that Zelenskyy should have avoided conflict with Russia. Trump suggests Zelenskyy could have negotiated a deal instead of engaging in warfare with a more powerful adversary. This stance has sparked debate, especially given that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin, initiated the attack in February 2022 and has occupied parts of Ukraine, including Crimea, since 2014.
Trump proposes resolving the war by reducing oil prices, believing that economic pressure could curtail Russia's military funding. He aims to negotiate with OPEC and Saudi Arabia to lower oil costs, a move supported by Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration, who advocates for oil prices to drop to $30 per barrel. Despite Trump's claims, Russia's economy faces challenges from high inflation and interest rates, although Kremlin officials assert its resilience against sanctions.
The conflict continues with Russian forces advancing in Donbas and executing airstrikes, leading to injuries in Zaporizhzhia. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy acknowledges Trump's oil strategy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia to achieve peace. This interaction highlights the complex dynamics between international economic policies and geopolitical conflicts. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic maneuvers shaping the region's future.
