On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine should reach an agreement with Russia to end the war, citing Russia as a formidable power, unlike Ukraine. Trump's remarks came after his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where no agreement on a ceasefire was achieved.
According to a Reuters report, after his meeting with Putin, Trump also engaged in discussions with Zelensky and European leaders. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer mentioned that, thanks to Trump’s intervention, there appears to be a glimmer of hope for ending the war. However, he asserted that sanctions against Russia would only intensify unless Putin halts his brutal assault. Meanwhile, Germany's former ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger mentioned on X that Putin received the red carpet treatment from Trump, whereas Trump got nothing — no ceasefire, no peace. Consequently, Putin is leading 1-0.
However, Trump has signaled a shift in stance, stating that both he and Putin have agreed on steering the discussions directly towards a peace agreement rather than a mere ceasefire, which Ukraine and its European allies have persistently advocated for with U.S. support.
What Did Trump Say?
On Truth Social, Trump asserted that reaching a direct peace agreement, rather than a tenuous ceasefire that often fails, is widely regarded as the best way to end this terrible conflict.
A Complex Process: Russia
This perspective is welcomed by Moscow, which has consistently advocated for a comprehensive solution over a temporary pause. However, Putin's advisors suggest that this would be a highly convoluted process, as the positions of both sides are completely opposed.
Zelensky to Visit Washington
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky announced plans to visit Washington on Monday. Zelensky emphasized his insistence on a lasting peace, not another temporary respite. He noted that during discussions with Trump, he received positive indicators from the U.S. While European allies applauded Trump's efforts, they made it clear they would continue supporting Ukraine and impose harsher sanctions on Russia. Notably, Trump and Putin's Friday meeting in Alaska lasted three hours, marking the first summit between the nations since Russia's February 2022 attack on Ukraine.
Russia is a Mighty Nation, Ukraine is Not: Trump
Trump shared with American TV channel Fox News that he and Putin discussed territorial exchanges and Ukraine's security assurances, which were substantially agreed upon. Trump conveyed, “I believe we are close to an agreement. However, the decision rests with Ukraine, which might opt to say 'no.' In my view, a deal is necessary. Let's face it, Russia is a huge, powerful country, and they're not (Ukraine).
Putin’s Reaction
Russian President Putin agreed that Ukraine's security must be guaranteed, expressing hope that their understanding would steer progress towards peace. He hopes Ukraine and European capitals won't disrupt this progress with provocations or hidden schemes.
