Trump claims Putin Signaled Openness to Ending Ukraine War,Amidst Ongoing Battles & Pipeline Attacks
WASHINGTON D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated Wednesday that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine,following a meeting between his envoys and Kremlin officials. The statement comes as fighting continues intensely in eastern Ukraine, and as Ukrainian forces maintain a hold on the northern part of the contested city of Pokrovsk, according to Ukrainian army chief Olexandr Syrskyj, who reported on Facebook that Ukrainian units are focused on supply routes, medical evacuation, and defense against drones and artillery. this contradicts a recent declaration by Putin claiming Russian control of Pokrovsk.
The news of potential diplomatic avenues emerges alongside escalating tensions in the region. Ukraine launched an attack on Russia’s Druzhba pipeline, hitting a section in the Tambov region that carries oil to Hungary and Slovakia. While Ukrainian military sources confirmed the attack, both the pipeline operator and Hungary’s oil company reported continued normal deliveries. The incident contributed to a slight rise in oil prices, with Brent crude increasing 0.22 percent to $62.81 a barrel, according to trading data.
Adding to the complex security landscape, NATO partners Great Britain and Norway are bolstering maritime defenses against potential Russian aggression. The two nations signed the “Lunna House Agreement” today, establishing a joint fleet of at least 13 anti-submarine warfare frigates, responding to a perceived increased threat to British waters, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
Despite the price increase spurred by the pipeline attack, the fitch rating agency cautioned against expecting a significant shift, warning of continued oversupply in the global oil market. The Druzhba pipeline previously supplied East German refineries until the implementation of the EU oil embargo in 2022.
Trump’s assessment of Putin’s willingness to negotiate remains unclear, as he stated the “further course of events was unclear” following the envoy meeting.The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military conflict and shifting diplomatic signals.