Fact Check Team: Exploring the current state of the Russia-Ukraine War, and the cost

WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump continues to advocate for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as the conflict enters its third year. The United States recently helped broker a partial ceasefire, focusing on safer navigation in the Black Sea for shipments and halting long-range strikes on energy sites. However, disagreements persist over the ceasefire's timing and scope. Reports from various outlets say Trump is frustrated with both Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy.

Reports from the Associated Press said Russia demands the U.S. lift sanctions first, while Ukraine questions the ceasefire's benefits.

According to the Institute for the Study of War:

Russia has so far refused to make any concessions and rejected the US-Ukrainian 30-day general ceasefire when Trump called Putin on March 18.

The conflict, now the largest and deadliest in Europe since World War II, has resulted in significant casualties. Ukrainian reports indicate over 70,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died, while BBC Russia reports around 100,000 Russian soldiers killed. The United Nations reports over 12,650 civilian deaths.

Financially, the United States has spent $175 billion aiding Ukraine through five major bills passed by Congress. Additionally, in December 2024, the U.S. provided Ukraine with a $20 billion loan, to be repaid with interest from frozen Russian assets, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

It's important to note, according to CFR:

A large share of the money in the aid bills has been spent in the United States, paying for American factories and workers to produce the various weapons that are either shipped to Ukraine or that replenish the U.S. weapons stocks the Pentagon has drawn on during the war.