In a phone conversation with the U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin refused the latter’s request for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he promised restraint from targeting the energy sector of Ukraine and sought the U.S. and allies to hold back arms and intelligence support to Kyiv. Trump labeled the talk progress towards peace.
Washington had insisted on an immediate cessation of hostilities as a non-negotiable option only, to leave room for future negotiations on a complete peace. Putin’s solution was conditional in nature and implied bolstering the latter’s demand to stop the western supply of any type of defense aid to Ukraine.
A Political Victory for Trump?
Although there had not been a full ceasefire, Trump framed the negotiation as a victory, claiming that “many aspects of a Contract for Peace were discussed” and that there were now negotiations “in full force and effect.” His diplomat, Steve Witkoff, suggested further negotiations in Saudi Arabia, spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, that could carry on the momentum already gained.
Trump’s initiative has evoked both approval and disapproval. Some criticized him for meeting Putin, reasoning that he had something to gain from legitimizing the aggressive posture of Russia. Other people considered it a tactically wise action to avoid more concessions, among which was possibly acquiescing Russia’s ownership over Crimea.
Ukraine’s Reaction and Reactions in Europe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy cautiously accepted Putin’s limited proposal but demanded that the U.S. facilitate any negotiations. Zelenskiy was direct, stating that “Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire” and calling on the world to “reject any attempts by Putin to prolong the war.”
Meanwhile, European allies remain cautious of Trump’s policy. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that Britain and the EU are hurrying arms shipments to Ukraine to boost its military position before any potential ceasefire. The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers also discussed further military aid last week, reflecting that Europe is not ready to relax pressure on Russia yet.
As negotiations continue, Trump will have to balance the fine line of diplomatic negotiations with preserving U.S. pledges to Ukraine and its allies. With further talks set to take place in Saudi Arabia, the world will be watching to see if Trump’s approach can bring a lasting ceasefire or whether it will give encouragement to Moscow’s plans.
