A clash between Trump and Zelenskyy puts Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in 'jeopardy'
As of February 28, 2025, the prospect of the Ukraine war concluding within this year remains uncertain, with varying opinions among global leaders, experts, and the public.
Public sentiment varies across different populations. A recent IPSOS report surveyed 23,721 adults across 33 countries, revealing the highest levels of optimism. China led with 59% of respondents expressing optimism, followed by Indonesia at 56% and India at 51%, while the global average stood at 27%.
U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasised the urgency of reaching a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine, asserting that it needs to be finalised soon to end Europe's most devastating conflict in 80 years.
This dream is, however, on the brink of being dashed as Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the White House on Friday, February 28 ended in an aggressive exchange with President Trump.
Zelenskyy was set to sign a mineral rights deal with Trump which will grant the U.S. a stake in Ukraine's rare earth elements, purportedly to reimburse war aid costs.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has had devastating consequences. The conflict started with attacks on major cities like Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Sumy. As of January 2025, the United Nations had verified over 12,600 civilian deaths, with millions more displaced.
The displacement of Ukrainians has put a strain on neighbouring countries, with Poland recording the highest number of border crossings, followed by Hungary, Romania, and Russia.
The international community has taken economic measures against Russia, with the U.S., European Union, UK, and allied nations imposing financial and trade sanctions. These sanctions target Russia's financial sector, government-affiliated individuals, and high-tech exports, aiming to cripple the country's ability to wage war.
Throughout the conflict, the U.S. Department of Defence has played a significant role in supporting Ukraine, providing over $66.5 billion in security assistance since the start of the Biden administration.
