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The recent developments regarding Donald Trump’s influence on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to seek an end to the war in Ukraine have raised significant concerns. Trump’s much-anticipated phone call with Putin primarily underscored the considerable distance remaining before any meaningful resolution can be achieved.
Furthermore, it has sparked new inquiries about Trump’s level of commitment and has deepened the existing divisions among transatlantic allies regarding the war’s conclusion. Ukraine and its European allies are advocating for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate discussions on a lasting peace agreement, while Moscow has rejected this proposal, demanding immediate negotiations on a final settlement. This approach appears to be a tactic to enable Russia to continue its military actions, which are resulting in civilian casualties.
Following his conversation with Putin, Trump indicated that Ukraine and Russia would engage in talks ‘as only they can’ regarding a ceasefire and the war’s resolution, seemingly aligning himself with the Kremlin. Additionally, he introduced further uncertainty into an already weakened peace initiative, failing to address earlier comments from Vice President JD Vance suggesting that the US might disengage if no progress is made.
Trump remarked, ‘I tell you, big egos involved, but I think something’s going to happen. And if it doesn’t, I just back away and they’re going to have to keep going,’ during a press briefing in the Oval Office. He stated, ‘Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,’ expressing optimism about potential progress. Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for endorsing the revival of direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv, following their recent meeting in Turkey, but after the call, he merely noted that efforts were ‘generally on the right track.’
(Newsroom staff only edited this story for style from a syndicated feed)
