President Donald Trump is actively working on negotiations between Ukraine and Russia as part of his efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to their ongoing conflict. This marks the fifth week of his administration and reflects his focus on international diplomacy.
In recent discussions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz met with Russian officials in Riyadh, while U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg engaged with Ukrainian leaders in Kyiv. These meetings aimed to explore pathways to end hostilities, but they sparked concerns among Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly expressed that Ukraine should be involved in any talks concerning its future, emphasizing that decisions shouldn’t be made without their participation.
Tensions escalated as both Trump and Zelenskyy exchanged criticisms. Despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began in February 2022, Trump suggested that Ukraine had a role in instigating the conflict and referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator.” In response, Zelenskyy accused Trump of spreading Russian misinformation.
Despite these tensions, the Trump administration believes engaging with Russia is necessary to facilitate a peace deal. Vice President JD Vance reinforced this view at a recent conference, stating, “How are you going to end the war unless you’re talking to Russia?” He highlighted the importance of engaging all parties involved to genuinely bring the conflict to a close.
In other news from the White House, Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at reviewing federal regulations that may infringe upon the Constitution. This initiative reflects a commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles and preventing government overreach. Senior officials indicated this is the first of its kind, as it requires federal agencies to compile a list of possibly unconstitutional regulations within 60 days. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will manage this effort alongside the newly established Department of Government Efficiency.
Additionally, Trump is pushing for better accessibility and affordability of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for American families. An executive order directs the Domestic Policy Council to explore options to reduce costs, which can range significantly, making it hard for many families seeking to expand their households.
In a move to protect taxpayer resources, Trump also signed an executive order ensuring that federal benefits do not extend to illegal immigrants. This order mandates federal agencies to evaluate any programs that may unintentionally provide financial assistance to undocumented individuals, emphasizing the administration’s determination to uphold the rule of law and protect benefits for American citizens, including veterans and those with disabilities.
Through these initiatives, President Trump is aiming to reinforce his stance on key issues concerning national security and domestic policy, all while attempting to navigate complex international relationships.
