Trump Reports No Progress in Ukraine War Call with Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he gained no ground in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing Ukraine conflict during a phone call last Thursday. The Kremlin reaffirmed that Putin remains steadfast in pursuing Russian objectives in the war, which has now continued for over three years. Trump’s lack of optimism about the conversation comes alongside a stagnation in U.S.-led peace efforts, further complicated by Washington’s decision to halt certain weapon deliveries to Ukraine.
During the call, which Trump described as “pretty long,” the leaders touched on various topics, notably including Iran and the war in Ukraine. Expressing his disappointment, Trump stated, “I’m not satisfied with that,” when questioned about any potential advancements towards a peace agreement. He firmly stated, “No, I didn’t make any progress with him at all,” highlighting his frustration that contrasted sharply with his previously reported positive interactions with Putin.
Kremlin’s Unyielding Stance
From Moscow, a Kremlin spokesperson indicated that the call lasted nearly one hour, during which Putin asserted that Russia would not waver from its set goals. “Our president stated that Russia will achieve the goals it has set, specifically the elimination of the root causes that led to the current state of affairs,” remarked Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. This statement reinforces Moscow’s long-held view that its aims in Ukraine are justified by a need to address the conflict’s underlying issues, primarily Kyiv’s aspirations for NATO membership.
As the situation continues to unfold, the war has resulted in widespread devastation, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Despite this grim backdrop, Putin assured Trump that Russia remains open to negotiations. “He also mentioned the Russian side’s readiness to continue the negotiation process,” Ushakov added, receiving confirmation that the Russian leader seeks a political resolution to the enduring conflict.
Stalemate in Peace Negotiations
For several months, Moscow has maintained a hardline stance, continuously rejecting a ceasefire proposed by the United States. Ukraine and its Western allies accuse Putin of deliberately dragging out negotiations while ramping up military offensives within the country. Additionally, the Kremlin emphasized to Trump the importance of resolving conflicts in the Middle East through diplomatic means, particularly following U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, which are allied with Russia.
The phone dialogue occurred just days after the U.S. announced a pause in certain arms shipments to Ukraine, impacting Kyiv’s military capabilities. On the same day, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian strikes killed at least eight individuals. Amidst these developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was engaging with European Union leaders in Denmark, seeking to strengthen alliances in light of uncertainties surrounding U.S. military aid.
Zelensky’s Call for Increased Cooperation
While in Denmark, President Zelensky relayed to EU allies the pressing need for enhanced collaboration, especially with regard to military support in the face of fluctuating U.S. assistance. He underscored Ukraine’s support for Trump’s call for an “unconditional ceasefire,” indicating a preference for diplomatic resolution amidst ongoing hostilities. Reports from Ukrainian sources revealed that Zelensky and Trump are scheduled to converse on Friday regarding the situation.
On Wednesday, Kyiv sought clarification from the White House and Pentagon about the implications of the recent announcements concerning weapon deliveries. Zelensky articulated that “Continued American support for Ukraine, for our defense, for our people is in our common interest,” highlighting the importance of unwavering support from allies. Concurrently, Russia has persistently called on Western nations to halt their weapon transfers to Ukraine, complicating the geopolitical landscape.
