Before their planned phone conversation, US President Donald Trump claimed that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reached an agreement on “many elements” of a Ukraine Peace Talks deal. Trump said on Truth Social that he will continue the talks with Putin by speaking with him on Tuesday morning.
Trump noted that “much remains” to be worked upon even though certain agreements are being achieved. “It must end NOW,” he continued, expressing concern, “because 2,500 soldiers are killed every week on both sides. I am eagerly awaiting the call with President Putin.
In an earlier statement to reporters, Trump said, “We’re going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire, and peace, and I think we’ll be able to do it.” He expressed optimism in making progress.
How Has Ukraine Responded?
In his nightly speech on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky charged that Putin was dragging out the conflict needlessly. “This proposal could have been implemented long ago,” he stated, stressing that “every day in wartime means human lives.”
Zelensky also criticized Russia’s military activities despite ongoing diplomatic talks. “We are willing to negotiate, but not at the cost of our sovereignty,” he stated. Ukraine has insisted that any arrangement cannot jeopardize its territorial integrity.
Despite his confidence, the government has been inconsistent about the progress of the ceasefire negotiations. While some officials say the agreement is still in its early stages, others think it has advanced significantly.
How Advanced Are the Ceasefire Negotiations?
Speaking to Ukrainian delegates in Jeddah recently, a senior US official said talks have mostly focused on “what a negotiation process would look like” rather than “the specific conditions.” Similarly, another American diplomat who met with Putin in Moscow last week dismissed the idea that a deal is on the horizon.
France and British leaders have encouraged Russia to commit to peace genuinely. “Enough deaths,” said French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised Zelensky’s readiness to accept a truce and urged Russia to do the same. Enough lives were lost—enough devastation. The firearms must stop firing.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary also demanded a “full and unconditional ceasefire now,” cautioning that the country and its allies have “more cards that we can play” to force Russia into meaningful talks.
What Is the White House's Position?
The White House has voiced hope ahead of the Trump-Putin negotiations, saying that the Ukraine Peace Talks have “never been closer.” Trump is “determined” to reach a peace agreement, the White House Press Secretary told reporters Monday.
The situation of a significant power plant on the Russian-Ukrainian border is anticipated to be one of the main subjects of discussion. The location in question is the largest nuclear power station in Europe, Zaporizhzhia, which Russia has occupied since March 2022. The region’s ongoing conflict has sparked worries about a possible nuclear catastrophe.
The wider humanitarian catastrophe, in which the war has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes, is another worry. According to reports, international organizations have had difficulty delivering sufficient help, and food and medical supplies are running low in occupied areas.
What Concessions Are Being Considered?
Trump said, “We’ll be talking about land,” in response to a question concerning possible compromises in the Ukraine Peace Talks. We’ll be discussing power plants. We have already discussed the division of some assets.
Since Ukraine has said it would not give up any territory to Russia, analysts predict that land transfers could be contentious. Both sides are unwilling to make major concessions on the status of Crimea and the eastern Donbas region, which continue to be hotly debated issues.
On the other hand, Russian officials have not commented on the talks. The Kremlin representative refused to provide specifics, saying, “We never do that.”
What Are Russia's Conditions for Peace?
In addition to openly endorsing a ceasefire, Putin has listed several requirements for peace. One significant problem is the area of Russia known as Western Kursk, which was briefly taken over by Ukrainian forces in August of last year until Russian forces retook it. Putin now claims that the territory is entirely under Russian authority.
Putin also worries about monitoring and enforcing a ceasefire along the eastern frontline. He has vehemently opposed any NATO military participation in the area. Western partners have repeatedly rejected Russia’s demand that any accord require assurances that Ukraine will not join NATO.
What Was Discussed in the Saudi Arabia Meeting?
Ukraine has expressed willingness to accept the 30-day ceasefire plan made during a recent conference between US and Ukrainian delegates in Saudi Arabia.
After the talks, the leaders of Canada and France reiterated their “unwavering” support for Ukraine. They also underlined that “Russia had to obtain clear commitments before any ceasefire could be implemented.”
NATO officials, meanwhile, have reaffirmed their stance that Russia should not dictate Ukraine’s foreign policy decisions. A NATO spokesman said, “Any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.”
What Comes Next?
The globe eagerly awaits the Trump-Putin call to see if the Ukraine Peace Talks can produce a tangible move toward ending the conflict. Even if an early truce is achieved, experts predict substantial steps to foster trust would be necessary for long-term peace.
In the upcoming weeks, more discussions will be required to finalize the parameters of any agreement. These discussions will focus on important topics such as security assurances, prisoner exchanges, and economic sanctions.
Despite increased optimism for peace, skepticism persists. “We’ve seen peace talks before, and we’ve seen them fail,” one political analyst stated. “The question is whether both sides are truly willing to make the necessary compromises.”
The globe is waiting to see how the Trump-Putin discussion turns out, hoping the dispute will be permanently resolved.
