Trump has proposed to bypass a ceasefire in Ukraine and instead move directly toward a permanent peace agreement following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a notable shift from his earlier stance, Trump asserted on Truth Social that such a deal would be "the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine," mentioning that ceasefires often fail to sustain.
The U.S. President is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Monday and is urging him to push for a peace deal. Following a phone conversation with Trump after the summit, Zelensky expressed his desire for a genuine and enduring peace while calling for an end to hostilities and bloodshed.
This change in rhetoric marks a significant departure for Trump, who only days earlier advocated for a swift ceasefire ahead of the summit. Instead of a ceasefire, initial reports have indicated that Putin proposed an agreement where Ukraine would relinquish control over its eastern Donetsk region, 70% of which is currently occupied by Russia. In exchange, Russia would agree to freeze the front lines and potentially offer other unspecified concessions.
There are concerns from European leaders regarding Trump's potential pressure on Zelensky to accept terms discussed with Putin. CBS News reported that Trump indicated during a call with European leaders that Putin would offer "some concessions," although specifics were not disclosed.
In an interview with Fox News post-summit, Trump advised Zelensky to "make a deal," emphasizing the disparity in power between Russia and Ukraine. Trump's prior warnings of severe consequences for Putin if he failed to reach a ceasefire are also noteworthy, as he recently called for tough sanctions against Moscow.
No major agreements were publicly announced by either leader post-summit, but Trump maintained that both sides had made progress. Putin characterized the summit as "very useful," suggesting that foundational issues related to the crisis were discussed and should inform future resolutions.
Meanwhile, a coalition of European leaders who support Ukraine – including the UK, France, and Germany – will hold a conference call on Sunday, ahead of Zelensky's White House meeting. They expressed a commitment to further discussions and emphasized that Ukraine should determine its territorial decisions without force.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended Trump's approach, remarking that it has brought the parties closer together. Conversely, sentiments among Ukrainians remain skeptical, with some expressing concern over the display of diplomacy that appeared to favor Putin’s position. A veteran from the Donetsk region voiced frustration over the perceived importance given to Putin's welcome during this critical moment in the region's history. Trump's shift in focus towards negotiating peace may evoke unease among stakeholders in Kyiv and Europe alike.
The U.S. President is set to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington on Monday and is urging him to push for a peace deal. Following a phone conversation with Trump after the summit, Zelensky expressed his desire for a genuine and enduring peace while calling for an end to hostilities and bloodshed.
This change in rhetoric marks a significant departure for Trump, who only days earlier advocated for a swift ceasefire ahead of the summit. Instead of a ceasefire, initial reports have indicated that Putin proposed an agreement where Ukraine would relinquish control over its eastern Donetsk region, 70% of which is currently occupied by Russia. In exchange, Russia would agree to freeze the front lines and potentially offer other unspecified concessions.
There are concerns from European leaders regarding Trump's potential pressure on Zelensky to accept terms discussed with Putin. CBS News reported that Trump indicated during a call with European leaders that Putin would offer "some concessions," although specifics were not disclosed.
In an interview with Fox News post-summit, Trump advised Zelensky to "make a deal," emphasizing the disparity in power between Russia and Ukraine. Trump's prior warnings of severe consequences for Putin if he failed to reach a ceasefire are also noteworthy, as he recently called for tough sanctions against Moscow.
No major agreements were publicly announced by either leader post-summit, but Trump maintained that both sides had made progress. Putin characterized the summit as "very useful," suggesting that foundational issues related to the crisis were discussed and should inform future resolutions.
Meanwhile, a coalition of European leaders who support Ukraine – including the UK, France, and Germany – will hold a conference call on Sunday, ahead of Zelensky's White House meeting. They expressed a commitment to further discussions and emphasized that Ukraine should determine its territorial decisions without force.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended Trump's approach, remarking that it has brought the parties closer together. Conversely, sentiments among Ukrainians remain skeptical, with some expressing concern over the display of diplomacy that appeared to favor Putin’s position. A veteran from the Donetsk region voiced frustration over the perceived importance given to Putin's welcome during this critical moment in the region's history. Trump's shift in focus towards negotiating peace may evoke unease among stakeholders in Kyiv and Europe alike.
