In a significant turnaround, Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to engage directly with Russia in pursuit of a peace agreement, moving away from a proposed ceasefire, which he claims often fails to hold. This change in stance came after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Trump expressed that a definitive peace deal was the best solution to end the ongoing conflict.
Trump Advocates for Direct Peace Deal in Ukraine, Sidestepping Ceasefire
Trump Advocates for Direct Peace Deal in Ukraine, Sidestepping Ceasefire
Former President urges Ukraine to negotiate a permanent peace with Russia in a notable shift from his previous position.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump recommended that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky agree to a peace accord directly, referencing that "ceasefires do not hold up." This remark marks a dramatic shift from his earlier insistence on a rapid ceasefire prior to last Friday's summit. The Ukrainian government has consistently sought a ceasefire to be established before any long-term discussions could commence.
Following their exchange, Zelensky reaffirmed the necessity of secure and lasting peace but highlighted the immediate need to stop the violence. Reports from various news outlets indicated that Putin's proposal involved Ukraine conceding control of its eastern Donetsk region, currently under considerable Russian occupation, in exchange for other unspecified concessions from Russia.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, Trump has reportedly pressured Zelensky into making a deal in private discussions following the summit. This has raised concerns among European diplomats regarding Trump's influence on Ukraine’s negotiating stance.
In his comments to Fox News, Trump advocated for Zelensky to "make a deal," pointing out Russia's substantial power compared to Ukraine. This follows his prior declarations of consequences for Russia if no ceasefire were agreed upon, as he had warned of severe sanctions should the conflict continue.
Despite limited outcomes publicly declared post-summit, both Trump and Putin conveyed that progress had been made during their discussions. Putin framed the summit as "very useful," aligning with Trump's suggestion of moving towards a resolution.
Consequently, a meeting among European leaders, including Macron and Merz, took place as they vowed to continue supporting Ukraine and emphasize that any decisions regarding Ukrainian territory lie firmly with its leadership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended Trump’s efforts in fostering a potential path to peace.
However, reactions in Ukraine reflect concerns over Trump's shift in focus from ceasefire to direct negotiations, raising questions about the implications for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its people's well-being amid ongoing hostility. A Ukrainian veteran expressed his discontent with the perceived cordiality of the summit, illustrating a disconnect between diplomatic gestures and the lived realities of war.
Following their exchange, Zelensky reaffirmed the necessity of secure and lasting peace but highlighted the immediate need to stop the violence. Reports from various news outlets indicated that Putin's proposal involved Ukraine conceding control of its eastern Donetsk region, currently under considerable Russian occupation, in exchange for other unspecified concessions from Russia.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, Trump has reportedly pressured Zelensky into making a deal in private discussions following the summit. This has raised concerns among European diplomats regarding Trump's influence on Ukraine’s negotiating stance.
In his comments to Fox News, Trump advocated for Zelensky to "make a deal," pointing out Russia's substantial power compared to Ukraine. This follows his prior declarations of consequences for Russia if no ceasefire were agreed upon, as he had warned of severe sanctions should the conflict continue.
Despite limited outcomes publicly declared post-summit, both Trump and Putin conveyed that progress had been made during their discussions. Putin framed the summit as "very useful," aligning with Trump's suggestion of moving towards a resolution.
Consequently, a meeting among European leaders, including Macron and Merz, took place as they vowed to continue supporting Ukraine and emphasize that any decisions regarding Ukrainian territory lie firmly with its leadership. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commended Trump’s efforts in fostering a potential path to peace.
However, reactions in Ukraine reflect concerns over Trump's shift in focus from ceasefire to direct negotiations, raising questions about the implications for Ukraine's territorial integrity and its people's well-being amid ongoing hostility. A Ukrainian veteran expressed his discontent with the perceived cordiality of the summit, illustrating a disconnect between diplomatic gestures and the lived realities of war.
