Following a summit with Putin, Trump urges Zelensky to consider a peace agreement, stirring mixed reactions from Ukrainian leaders and European allies.
**Trump Calls for Direct Peace Deal in Ukraine, Bypasses Ceasefire**
**Trump Calls for Direct Peace Deal in Ukraine, Bypasses Ceasefire**
In a surprising policy shift, Trump advocates for direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, leaving behind the push for a ceasefire.
Trump has dramatically altered his approach to the conflict in Ukraine, urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to bypass a ceasefire in favor of a permanent peace agreement with Russia. Following a Friday meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump expressed on Truth Social that quick ceasefires rarely lead to lasting peace, calling for immediate negotiations to end what he termed a "horrific war."
During a phone call after the summit, Zelensky requested a true commitment to peace, but maintained that hostilities must cease immediately. Trump’s new stance starkly contrasts his previous comments on the matter; just prior to the summit, he had advocated for a rapid ceasefire. Ukraine's leaders have primarily sought a ceasefire as a precondition for entering discussions on a stable, long-term resolution to the conflict.
Reports from the summit indicate that Putin proposed a controversial deal involving Ukraine ceding control of its eastern Donetsk region, which is predominantly Russian-occupied, in exchange for a freeze on front lines and other unnamed concessions from Russia. The US President had previously suggested that any enduring peace agreement might necessitate some territorial exchanges. Despite these negotiations, Zelensky has rejected any proposal that compromises Ukraine's territorial integrity and security against further Russian aggression.
European diplomats are reportedly anxious about the possibility that Trump might pressure Zelensky during his upcoming visit to the White House to accept terms discussed during his encounter with Putin. In the wake of the summit, Trump assured European leaders that concessions from Russia would be forthcoming, though specifics were not disclosed.
In an interview after the summit, Trump advised Zelensky to "make a deal," emphasizing Russia's dominance in this geopolitical landscape. Prior to this meeting, the US President had warned of severe repercussions for Moscow if it failed to adhere to a ceasefire deadline.
While the summit concluded without substantial agreements, both leaders referred to progress being made, with Putin later affirming the discussions as "very useful." He asserted the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis as a necessary foundation for any settlement.
In anticipation of Zelensky's visit, a coalition of supportive nations — including the UK, France, and Germany — plans a call to discuss ongoing assistance for Ukraine. European leaders expressed their openness to continuing negotiations involving Zelensky, and reinforced their commitment to preventing any territorial changes resulting from military force.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged Trump's efforts in facilitating dialogue, stressing the necessity of including Zelensky in any future talks. Meanwhile, reactions from Ukraine have been mixed; some citizens expressed disappointment over the summit's displays, suggesting that the welcoming gestures towards Putin overshadow the ongoing struggles faced by Ukraine.
Trump's pivot away from advocating for a ceasefire has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies regarding the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and security in the conflict with Russia.
During a phone call after the summit, Zelensky requested a true commitment to peace, but maintained that hostilities must cease immediately. Trump’s new stance starkly contrasts his previous comments on the matter; just prior to the summit, he had advocated for a rapid ceasefire. Ukraine's leaders have primarily sought a ceasefire as a precondition for entering discussions on a stable, long-term resolution to the conflict.
Reports from the summit indicate that Putin proposed a controversial deal involving Ukraine ceding control of its eastern Donetsk region, which is predominantly Russian-occupied, in exchange for a freeze on front lines and other unnamed concessions from Russia. The US President had previously suggested that any enduring peace agreement might necessitate some territorial exchanges. Despite these negotiations, Zelensky has rejected any proposal that compromises Ukraine's territorial integrity and security against further Russian aggression.
European diplomats are reportedly anxious about the possibility that Trump might pressure Zelensky during his upcoming visit to the White House to accept terms discussed during his encounter with Putin. In the wake of the summit, Trump assured European leaders that concessions from Russia would be forthcoming, though specifics were not disclosed.
In an interview after the summit, Trump advised Zelensky to "make a deal," emphasizing Russia's dominance in this geopolitical landscape. Prior to this meeting, the US President had warned of severe repercussions for Moscow if it failed to adhere to a ceasefire deadline.
While the summit concluded without substantial agreements, both leaders referred to progress being made, with Putin later affirming the discussions as "very useful." He asserted the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis as a necessary foundation for any settlement.
In anticipation of Zelensky's visit, a coalition of supportive nations — including the UK, France, and Germany — plans a call to discuss ongoing assistance for Ukraine. European leaders expressed their openness to continuing negotiations involving Zelensky, and reinforced their commitment to preventing any territorial changes resulting from military force.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged Trump's efforts in facilitating dialogue, stressing the necessity of including Zelensky in any future talks. Meanwhile, reactions from Ukraine have been mixed; some citizens expressed disappointment over the summit's displays, suggesting that the welcoming gestures towards Putin overshadow the ongoing struggles faced by Ukraine.
Trump's pivot away from advocating for a ceasefire has raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies regarding the implications for Ukraine's sovereignty and security in the conflict with Russia.
