President Donald Trump was caught off guard by the assassination of Russian General Yaroslav Moskalik when questioned by a journalist aboard Air Force One.

The car bombing incident that claimed the general's life raised concerns for the peace negotiations Trump has been championing, intended to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as the Daily Mail reports.

While en route to Rome for Pope Francis' funeral, Trump was asked about the car bomb that killed General Moskalik in Moscow on Friday.

His initial response, a mix of surprise and confusion, revealed that he was unaware of the events that could hamper his diplomatic efforts. The general’s death potentially endangers the discussions Trump has been pushing forward.

Assassination clouds peace negotiations

The Kremlin quickly pointed fingers at Ukraine, suggesting possible involvement by its special services, although no definitive evidence has been provided.

Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia's Foreign Ministry, implied Ukraine's potential role. In contrast, no organization has officially claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Trump has been vocal about achieving peace in the region, previously declaring on the campaign trail that he would resolve the conflict quickly.

However, he later clarified that his promise was intended figuratively. He shifted blame to President Joe Biden, seeing it as an inherited issue rather than one of his own making.

Diplomatic efforts continue despite strain

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov signaled an openness to broker a deal with the United States despite acknowledging the existence of some unresolved points.

In a seeming concession, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko mentioned that temporary territorial concessions might be necessary for reaching a ceasefire agreement.

The Trump administration, however, warned that its role as a mediator could end unless a timely agreement is reached.

Trump met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the lead-up to the papal funeral, discussing the ongoing situation. A White House spokesperson labeled the conversation as very productive.

Progress in diplomacy despite setbacks

After landing in Rome, Trump expressed optimism on Truth Social about the peace talks, hinting at a nearing deal between Russia and Ukraine.

He suggested that it was time for high-level meetings to finalize arrangements. Meanwhile, the Kremlin maintained a positive yet cautious stance, describing the discussions as constructive.

Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, mentioned that recent dialogues had helped align the parties on the Ukrainian conflict and several other global issues. These developments indicate progress, but the path to peace remains uncertain amid the backdrop of the assassination that threatens to derail efforts.

Trump's reaction to the bomb attack, as initially unaware and then contemplative, highlights the real-time challenges in the precarious landscape of international diplomacy. The apparent disconnect initially displayed emphasizes the complexities leaders face in managing unforeseen geopolitical pressures.

Despite the assassination, both nations continue to inch towards a potential peaceful resolution. With an urgent need for progress, both sides appear committed to maintaining discussions, though the road ahead is fraught with uncertainty.

In conclusion, as the world watches closely, the coming weeks will test the resilience and resolve of leaders like Trump in steering negotiations toward a peaceful settlement amid unpredictable hurdles. The diplomatic landscape remains volatile, with both risks and opportunities woven into the fabric of these historic discussions.