Trump’s Negotiations with Ukraine and Russia: Tensions Escalate Over Kyiv’s Exclusion
Diplomatic Efforts and Ukrainian Concerns
In the fifth week of President Donald Trump’s administration, diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict between Ukraine and Russia were underway. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz engaged in discussions with Russian officials in Riyadh to explore avenues for peace. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg met with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv to discuss a potential deal.
However, the meetings sparked tension when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed dissatisfaction with being excluded from the Riyadh talks. He asserted that Ukraine had not been invited and emphasized that no decisions would be made without their involvement. Zelenskyy further stated that Ukraine would not accept a deal that did not include their participation.
Trump and Zelenskyy Trade Barbs
The diplomatic tensions amplified as Trump and Zelenskyy exchanged critical remarks. Trump indirectly suggested that Ukraine had initiated the conflict and labeled Zelenskyy as a "dictator." Zelenskyy, in turn, accused Trump of spreading Russian "disinformation."
Administration’s Defense of Negotiations
Despite the criticism, the Trump administration defended its decision to negotiate with Russia, arguing that it was necessary to advance diplomatic efforts. Vice President JD Vance maintained that engaging with all parties was crucial to resolving the conflict.
Trump’s Domestic Policy Initiatives
In addition to the Ukraine-Russia negotiations, the Trump administration also took steps on domestic issues. President Trump issued several executive orders addressing regulatory reform, access to fertility treatments, and restricting benefits to illegal immigrants.
Requiring Agencies to Assess Unconstitutional Regulations
Trump signed an executive order mandating federal agencies to evaluate their regulations for potential violations of the Constitution. The administration aimed to reduce excessive red tape by requiring agencies to submit a list of potentially unconstitutional regulations to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) within 60 days. OMB’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were tasked with overseeing the effort.
Making IVF More Affordable and Accessible
Trump issued an executive order requesting the Domestic Policy Council to explore ways to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable and accessible for Americans. The order recognized the high costs associated with IVF, which can range from $12,000 to $25,000 per cycle. The administration sought to provide support, awareness, and access to affordable treatments to increase fertility options.
Restricting Benefits for Illegal Immigrants
The Trump administration also signed an executive order aimed at preventing the use of taxpayer funds to provide benefits to illegal immigrants. Federal agencies were directed to identify any federally funded programs that might benefit illegal immigrants and take immediate action to ensure such funds were not used to support illegal immigration. The order also instructed agencies to implement stricter eligibility verification to prevent the distribution of benefits to those residing in the U.S. illegally.
