On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin called him offering to help mediate a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. However, Trump shared that he declined Putin's assistance, suggesting instead that he should help resolve the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Trump disclosed this information while speaking to reporters on his way to the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands. He stated, 'Vladimir called me. He asked if he could assist with Iran. I replied that I do not need your help with Iran; instead, I need assistance with your issue (the Russia-Ukraine conflict).'
Trump expressed his hope for a swift agreement with Russia that could end the war in Ukraine. Addressing the impact of the conflict, Trump mentioned, 'Last week, six thousand soldiers lost their lives.' Yet, he did not elaborate on the progress of negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war or what any potential agreement might entail.
Meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in The Hague
At the NATO summit, Trump is set to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their recent exchanges suggested minor tensions, prompting the summit organizers to deliberately shorten the main sessions to avoid any high-profile confrontations, according to AFP news agency.
After the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, Trump's focus has shifted to the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, an objective he has pursued since taking office.
During his campaign, Trump promised to establish peace between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours of becoming president, but this proved impractical, leading to a revised target of 100 days. Even after this deadline, Trump has not seen significant progress in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which still continues.
Nevertheless, it is because of Trump's efforts that Russia and Ukraine have come to the negotiating table. Recently, two rounds of talks took place in Turkey. In the second round on June 2nd, both sides agreed on the exchange of their soldiers’ remains. This included efforts to return fallen soldiers' bodies to their respective countries.
Russia has returned over 6,000 Ukrainian soldiers' bodies, while Ukraine reciprocated by providing 59 soldiers' bodies. As both sides shared their perspectives toward a peace agreement, they exchanged an MOU outlining a potential roadmap for peace.
