Tensions are escalating as the United States attempts to mediate a resolution to the protracted Ukraine-Russia conflict. While a German official expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of U.S.-led negotiations, a Chinese official offered a more hopeful perspective on the ceasefire initiatives.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, upon her arrival in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday, cautioned the U.S. against falling for what she called “[Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s delaying strategies.” She emphasized the importance of European support for Ukraine, describing the negotiations between the U.S. and Russia as being at an impasse, according to a report by the Associated Press.

In contrast, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi disagreed with Baerbock’s view on the U.S.-Russia discussions, maintaining that strides were being made. Throughout the conflict, China’s relationship with Russia has strengthened, with China offering diplomatic backing and serving as a trading ally for Moscow.

Trump will be speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin about a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire this Tuesday.

Trump also said in a weekend interview that he was “pissed off” at Putin for lashing out at Zelenskyy.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump told NBC News.

President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2025.  (REUTERS/Leah Millis)

The U.S. has struggled in its efforts to secure an immediate 30-day ceasefire deal, despite Moscow saying it agreed with a truce “in principle.” 

In mid-March, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said “the ball is now in Russia’s court” when it comes to ending the war that has persisted for more than three years.

Fox News Digital’s Anders Hagstrom and Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.