All eyes on Russia-Ukraine as Trump kicks off fourth week back in Oval Office

President Donald Trump and his administration are set to have a busy week with several key initiatives.

President Donald Trump is gearing up for a packed schedule this week, with negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war taking center stage. The Trump administration is dispatching a delegation of U.S. officials to Saudi Arabia to kickstart potential peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, confirmed during a Sunday morning interview with Fox News that he and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will head to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to join the discussions after attending the Munich Security Conference and meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

The decision to hold these talks in Saudi Arabia follows Trump’s announcement that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to begin peace negotiations "immediately." During a press conference on Thursday, Trump revealed that the meeting would involve top officials from both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to ending the conflict. "We’re going to see if we can end that war. That was a horrible war. It’s a vicious, bloody war. We want to end it," Trump stated.

The Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022 when Russia invaded its neighboring country. Trump has consistently argued that the conflict could have been avoided if he were still in office, and he vowed during his 2024 campaign to bring the war to an end if re-elected. Now, his administration is taking concrete steps to broker peace, with Witkoff and Waltz leading the charge.

Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks: Trump’s Team Heads to Saudi Arabia

The peace talks in Saudi Arabia represent a significant diplomatic effort by the Trump administration to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Witkoff explained that the meetings are being held at Trump’s direction and expressed optimism about the potential for progress. He told Fox News, "We’ll be having meetings at the direction of the president. And hopefully, we’ll make some really good progress with regard to Russia, Ukraine." Rubio, who will also participate in the talks, has emphasized the importance of determining if Putin is genuinely committed to negotiations.

The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue for the talks highlights Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s growing influence as a mediator in international affairs. Saudi Arabia has been increasingly active in global diplomacy, and its role in these negotiations underscores its ability to bring together nations with competing interests.

Meanwhile, Russia has claimed that a recent call between Trump and Putin helped prevent the world from reaching the "brink of apocalypse." However, the European Union has cautioned against potential "dirty tricks" from Russia, suggesting skepticism about Moscow’s intentions.

Trump’s Domestic Agenda: Energy Independence and Trade Policy

In addition to his administration’s focus on international diplomacy, Trump is also advancing several key domestic initiatives. On the energy front, Trump recently established the National Energy Dominance Council, an effort aimed at unleashing America’s energy potential. "We have more energy than any other country, and now we are unleashing it," Trump said during the signing of the executive order. The council is expected to take swift action, with Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett promising that Americans will see "shockingly good" results as early as this week.

Trump has also unveiled a new trade policy, announcing plans to impose "reciprocal tariffs" on all major U.S. trading partners. The policy, which Trump described as "fair and reciprocal," will mirror the tariffs imposed by other nations on American goods. "On trade, I have decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff, meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them, no more, no less," Trump explained.

A Meeting with the U.K. Prime Minister and Other Diplomatic Engagements

Trump’s schedule this week may also include a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has requested a visit to the White House. Trump confirmed on Friday that he had spoken with the U.K. leader and accepted his request for a meeting. While details of the agenda remain unclear, the meeting comes at a time when Trump has introduced a series of policies that could impact U.S.-U.K. relations, including the new tariff plan.

The meeting with Starmer is part of a broader push by Trump to engage with key allies and partners. Earlier, Rubio met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, signaling the administration’s continued focus on Middle Eastern diplomacy. These efforts underscore Trump’s strategy of leveraging personal relationships and direct negotiations to advance U.S. interests abroad.

A Weekend of Promotion and Celebration

Before diving into this week’s packed schedule, Trump spent the weekend promoting his agenda and connecting with supporters. He attended the Daytona 500, becoming the first sitting president to attend two Daytona 500 races at Daytona International Speedway. Air Force One’s flyover of the event was met with cheers from the crowd, highlighting Trump’s ability to draw attention and enthusiasm wherever he goes.

Trump’s presence at the Daytona 500 reflects his ongoing efforts to engage with voters and build momentum for his 2024 campaign. The event provided a platform for Trump to showcase his support for American traditions and institutions, reinforcing his "America First" message.

A Week of Action: Trump’s Administration Moves Forward

As Trump enters his fourth week in office, his administration continues to implement a flurry of executive actions. To date, Trump has signed 65 executive orders, including 26 on his first day alone. This pace of activity reflects Trump’s commitment to delivering on his campaign promises quickly and decisively.

From brokering peace in Ukraine to advancing energy independence and recalibrating trade policies, Trump’s administration is pursuing an ambitious agenda. Whether these efforts will yield lasting results remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this week promises to be another busy and consequential chapter in Trump’s presidency.

This summary captures the essence of a pivotal week for the Trump administration, highlighting its diplomatic, economic, and domestic priorities as it works to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.