Tensions between the U.S. and Russia have intensified amid ongoing discussions about resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump has suggested potential negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the situation.
According to The New York Times, the U.S. seeks the return of Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik, who was arrested in 2017 for allegedly laundering billions of dollars through cryptocurrency exchanges. Vinnik was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Trump stated that Russia should "deal better" with the U.S. and expressed his willingness to engage in discussions to end the conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for nearly three years. Trump's aide on national security, Michael Waltz, characterized the exchange as an effort to end the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with U.S. National Security Advisor James Benson at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, February 14. Additionally, Kellogg, after returning to Washington, will present Trump with options for ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Details of the plan remain undisclosed.
U.S. officials have stated that ending the war requires concessions from both sides. While Moscow has not commented on its willingness to compromise, it insists that any resolution must consider the current territorial realities, including regions under Russian control. The Kremlin also views Ukraine's potential accession to NATO as a threat.
This week, Kyiv awaits U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with whom Trump is urging discussions on allocating aid for the war effort. Kyiv has expressed principled support for such aid. Bessent is a former representative of the Trump administration who oversees Ukraine.