From Istanbul to Washington: how negotiations and deals with the U.S. could change Ukraine’s fate

Starting May 1, 2025, leading U.S. publications, including Politico and NBC, have been closely examining the initiative for a 30-day ceasefire scheduled to begin on May 12, as well as Russia’s proposal to resume negotiations in Istanbul on May 15.

The Washington Post notes that the White House sees the negotiations as an opportunity to recoup part of the funds invested in supporting Ukraine. These reports are accompanied by news of the signing of an agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukrainian natural resources.

Donald Trump’s role in these events has also drawn attention. The New York Times and CNN criticize Trump for his contradictory statements, including expressing regret over Russia’s exit from the G7 and his desire to restore dialogue with Moscow. At the same time, The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump is considering recognizing a Palestinian state during an upcoming trip to the Middle East — a move that many see as an attempt to distract from domestic issues.

The signed agreement with Ukraine has caused significant resonance. According to Financial Times and The Wall Street Journal, it has raised concerns in Kyiv, as it could undermine Ukraine’s national interests in exchange for financial support. These outlets emphasize that the agreement coincided with the resumption of commercial arms sales to Kyiv, which Politico interprets as a pragmatic move by the U.S.