theglobalsun – US President Donald Trump has announced that Russia and Ukraine will begin ceasefire talks immediately following a two-hour phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump described the call as “very well” and emphasized that peace conditions would need to be negotiated between the two parties. Despite this optimistic message, the prospects of a ceasefire or peace deal seem distant.
Trump’s Role in Peace Negotiations
Trump has positioned himself as a key figure in mediating peace between Russia and Ukraine. After his call with Putin, he also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump emphasized that negotiations toward a ceasefire and end to the war would occur between Russia and Ukraine directly. He made it clear that he had informed Zelensky about the discussions and that peace talks would require input from both sides. Trump also warned that the US should not distance itself from the process, which could favor Putin.
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Zelensky’s Call for Unconditional Ceasefire
While Trump remains optimistic, Zelensky insists on an unconditional ceasefire. He has called for stronger sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not agree to the terms of peace talks. Zelensky stressed that any decision about Ukraine’s future must involve the country directly, and he emphasized that Ukraine should not be excluded from the process. Despite Trump’s efforts, Zelensky continues to hold firm on his demand for full and unconditional peace terms. The Ukrainian president also noted the importance of American and European involvement in any potential peace talks.
Putin’s Position on Peace and Ceasefire Talks
Vladimir Putin, after his call with Trump, expressed willingness to work on a “memorandum on a possible future peace agreement” with Ukraine. However, Putin did not address calls for a 30-day ceasefire demanded by the US and European nations. Russian officials have hinted at possible conditions for a ceasefire but have not agreed on a clear timeline. While Trump and Putin discussed the possibility of peace talks, the details of any potential ceasefire remain uncertain. Putin’s position reflects Russia’s cautious approach to peace negotiations, despite claims of interest in a resolution.
International Reactions and the Role of the US
Following Trump’s discussions with both Putin and Zelensky, international leaders expressed varying levels of support for his efforts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen thanked Trump for his persistence in pursuing a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of US involvement. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also voiced support for the US-led peace talks. Meanwhile, Kyiv remains skeptical of Russia’s sincerity, with Ukrainian officials stating that Putin’s calls for peace have been hollow. The ongoing war, along with limited progress on ceasefire agreements, shows that achieving peace will require significant diplomatic efforts.
