In a notable change of direction, Donald Trump has announced his desire for Ukraine to skip the typical ceasefire procedure in favor of negotiating an immediate peace agreement with Russia. His statements emerged following a pivotal meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place on Friday. Taking to Truth Social, Trump characterized direct talks as "the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine," asserting that ceasefires frequently fail to hold.
India's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected in Washington on Monday, where Trump has urged him to support a peace deal. After his phone conversation with Trump post-summit, Zelensky echoed the need for a "real, lasting peace," but stressed the necessity for an immediate cessation of violence and loss of life.
Previously, Trump's public stance advocated for a rapid cessation of hostilities before moving into deeper negotiations, emphasizing his commitment to achieving a ceasefire early in discussions with European leaders. Sources indicate that Putin’s offer entails Ukraine relinquishing full control of the eastern Donetsk region—currently occupied by Russian forces—to facilitate a freeze on current front lines and potentially other unstated concessions.
While Trump has signaled the prospect of territorial negotiations as part of any peace settlement, Zelensky has recently dismissed the idea of conceding the Donbas region, fearing it may set a precedent for future Russian aggression. Diplomatic channels suggest European leaders are anxious about Trump's potential pressure on Zelensky at their upcoming meeting to accept terms that may have been informally discussed with Putin.
In an interview following his meeting with Putin, Trump advised the Ukrainian president to “make a deal,” noting the considerable military power Russia holds in the conflict. This contrasts sharply with his earlier warning of severe repercussions for Russia should it fail to reach a ceasefire, having previously indicated a firm deadline for Russian compliance.
Little tangible outcome emerged from the summit, though both leaders characterized discussions as constructive. Putin went on record, defining the summit as "very useful," signaling that he had communicated his stance to Trump, underlining the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict for any resolution.
In the international arena, leaders from the "coalition of the willing," a group dedicated to bolstering support for Ukraine, are scheduled to confer ahead of Zelensky's White House visit. These leaders, representing countries such as the UK, Germany, and France, stressed the importance of continued dialogue with Ukraine, emphasizing that decisions regarding territory reside solely with the Ukrainian government.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended Trump's involvement in seeking peace, highlighting that negotiations must include Zelensky as a vital participant. In Ukraine, the vibrations from the summit are far less optimistic, with many expressing discomfort over the cordial reception given to Putin, exemplified by Ukrainian veteran Serhii Orlyk, who criticized the overt fellowship displayed during the recent diplomatic engagement.
Trump's pivot to a deal over a ceasefire has elicited mixed reactions, particularly from Ukraine and its European supporters as they grapple with the implications for national sovereignty and peace strategy in the region.
