In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine will commence negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire and ultimately ending the ongoing war. This announcement follows a two-hour phone call between Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as having gone "very well." During the conversation, Trump emphasized the necessity for peace conditions to be negotiated directly between the two parties involved.
President Putin expressed his readiness to collaborate with Ukraine on a memorandum concerning a potential future peace agreement. However, he did not specifically address the demands from the US and European nations for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Conversely, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized this moment as pivotal and urged the US to remain actively engaged in the discussions. Following his individual call with Trump, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's commitment to achieving a full and unconditional ceasefire and warned that if Moscow is unwilling to cooperate, stronger sanctions would be necessary.
Before Trump's conversation with Putin, Zelensky made a crucial request that any decisions impacting Ukraine should not be made without the country's involvement. He underscored that these discussions are fundamentally important to Ukraine's principles. Although he did not disclose any specific details about the memorandum, Zelensky indicated that once they receive information from the Russian side, they can formulate their vision for peace accordingly.
In a post on his Truth Social page after the call, Trump stated, “Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a ceasefire and, more importantly, an end to the war.” He also informed Zelensky of these developments during a subsequent call that included other world leaders. Trump noted that the conditions for a ceasefire must be negotiated directly between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting their unique understanding of the situation that might not be apparent to outsiders.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of including both American and European representatives in the negotiation process. He cautioned that it is essential for the United States to maintain its involvement in pursuing peace, as any distancing could inadvertently benefit Putin. The US president has consistently expressed his frustration over the prolonged conflict, particularly as it extends into his second term.
During the call with Trump, which he attended from a music school in Sochi, Putin characterized the conversation as frank, informative, and constructive. He conveyed that Russia is prepared to work with Ukraine on a memorandum outlining essential principles for settlement and a timeline for reaching a potential peace agreement, which may include a ceasefire if relevant agreements are achieved. However, Yury Ushakov, an aide to Putin, stated that a specific ceasefire timeframe was not discussed, despite Trump’s eagerness for prompt agreements.
Zelensky's second call with Trump also included notable leaders such as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, as well as the leaders of France, Italy, Germany, and Finland. Von der Leyen expressed gratitude to Trump for his relentless efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing the necessity of continued US engagement in the process. Furthermore, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the significance of Pope Leo’s offer to host potential peace talks, a gesture that was positively received by the leaders involved in the discussions.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Kyiv has previously dismissed Putin's declarations of wanting peace as insincere. Recent reports indicate that Ukraine has suffered devastating drone strikes, marking the largest such attack since the invasion began in 2022, resulting in casualties that include at least ten fatalities from a civilian minibus attack. The ongoing military actions have raised skepticism about the sincerity of peace negotiations, with Ukrainian officials asserting that Putin's intentions remain aligned with continued warfare.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the dialogue initiated by Trump between Russia and Ukraine may play a crucial role in shaping future peace efforts. However, skepticism remains regarding the commitment of both parties to achieve a lasting ceasefire and resolution to the conflict. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether meaningful progress can be made in these negotiations.
