Ukraine war: main developments since Trump’s inauguration
A picture taken on March 23, 2025 shows a view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh where talks are underway with US mediation to try to reach a ceasefire in the Russia Ukraine war. Agence France-Presse
PARIS — As more talks on a ceasefire in the Ukraine war are planned for Monday, here are the main developments since US President Donald Trump was inaugurated on January 20, 2025.
Washington pressures Moscow
On January 20, newly inaugurated Trump says his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “should make a deal” with Ukraine.
“I think he’s destroying Russia by not making a deal,” he said.
Two days later, he threatens Russia with sanctions if it does not make a deal “now”.
During his campaign, Trump had promised to end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours”. He then acknowledged that the process could take months.
READ: Trump floats US takeover of Ukraine nuclear plants
On January 24, Putin says that he is ready for negotiations with Trump.
Ukraine warns against an accord struck by the United States behind the backs of Kyiv and Europe.
Negotiations on strategic minerals
In early February Trump says he wants to negotiate with Ukraine a minerals deal giving the United States access to 50 percent of its natural wealth, in compensation for US economic and military aid already delivered to Kyiv.
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Zelensky refuses on February 15 to sign a first US proposal, saying it does not give Ukraine security guarantees.
Russia-US rapprochement
On February 12 Trump says he and Putin have agreed to start “immediate” talks on ending the Ukraine conflict, following a phone call.
Washington says Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO and to return to its pre-2014 borders, before the Russian annexation of Crimea, are unrealistic.
Zelensky urges his European allies to avoid accepting an accord struck by the US behind the backs of Kyiv and Europe.
US and Russian foreign ministers hold talks in Riyadh on February 18, the first at that level since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
Trump-Zelensky row
On February 19-20 Trump lashes out at Zelensky, going as far as calling him a “dictator”.
He blames Ukraine for the war, siding with Kremlin rhetoric.
READ: Trump pauses aid to Ukraine after Zelensky clash
On February 28 Zelensky travels to Washington with a view to finalizing a minerals deal.
But in a spectacular public clash with Zelensky at the White House in front of television cameras from around the world, Trump accuses him of having “disrespected” the United States, says he is “gambling with World War III” and that if he doesn’t make peace with Russia “we’re out…”.
US suspends military aid
On March 3, Trump suspends military aid to Ukraine and the sharing of intelligence with Russia on Ukrainian positions.
Zelensky makes conciliatory gestures to Trump.
The 27-nation EU on March 6 approves a plan aimed at mobilizing up to 800 billion euros ($870 million) over four years to boost security on the continent and help Ukraine.
Ukraine accepts US truce plan
On March 11, Ukraine, whose army is struggling on the frontline, and the United States agree a plan for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
Washington immediately agrees to lift restrictions on military aid and intelligence sharing.
The two sides also agree to reach agreement as soon as possible on Ukrainian minerals.
Russian forces retake at an unprecedented speed territory which had been occupied by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
Putin sets terms
In a March 18 telephone call, Trump and Putin agree on a 30-day pause on Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, “immediate” negotiations on an end to the war, an exchange of prisoners, but not a ceasefire.
Putin insists that the West stop re-arming Ukraine, according to the Kremlin, and on an end to economic aid for Kyiv.
As both sides trade attacks, US-led talks with Russia are planned on Monday, March 24 in Saudi Arabia, after a meeting on Sunday between US and Ukrainian officials.
The Kremlin warned of “difficult negotiations” and a long journey to peace.
