Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to discuss a possible Ukraine ceasefire on Tuesday. While both leaders have agreed on some key points, several important issues remain unresolved.
Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, emphasizing the need to end the deadly conflict. “Every week, 2,500 soldiers die on both sides. This must stop now. I look forward to my call with President Putin,” he wrote.
Speaking to reporters, Trump sounded hopeful about achieving a ceasefire and broader peace agreement. “We’re going to see if we can negotiate a peace deal. I think we can,” he stated.
Zelensky Accuses Putin of Blocking Peace Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during his nightly address on Monday, blamed Putin for stalling the peace process. He said the current ceasefire proposal could have been accepted much earlier. “Every day this war continues, more lives are lost,” Zelensky stressed.
Within the Trump administration, officials have shared mixed signals about ceasefire negotiations. After talks with Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the discussions as “preliminary.” “We focused on what a negotiation process would look like rather than exact conditions,” Rubio explained.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently met Putin in Moscow, also maintained a cautious approach. Meanwhile, the UK and France have urged Putin to demonstrate his commitment to peace.
Pressure Mounts for Immediate Ceasefire
French President Emmanuel Macron praised Zelensky’s support for the ceasefire proposal, urging Russia to take positive steps. “Enough death and destruction. The guns must go silent,” Macron declared.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy demanded Putin agree to an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” warning that the UK and its allies have more ways to pressure Russia into genuine negotiations.
White House Remains Optimistic
The White House expressed optimism about the upcoming conversation between Trump and Putin. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Monday that Trump remains dedicated to securing peace. “Peace in Ukraine has never been closer,” she claimed.
When asked about the discussion topics, Leavitt confirmed that Trump would address a power plant located on the Russia-Ukraine border, likely referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The plant has been under Russian control since March 2022, and ongoing fighting in the area continues to raise fears of a nuclear incident.
Trump also mentioned on Sunday that land and energy resources are part of the negotiations. “We’re discussing land. We’re discussing power plants. These conversations are already happening,” he revealed.
Disagreements and Future Challenges
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to provide details about the upcoming talks, simply stating, “We never do that.”
Putin has previously voiced support for a ceasefire but insists on specific conditions. A key sticking point involves Russia’s Kursk region, which was reclaimed by Russian forces after a Ukrainian incursion last August. Putin now claims full control over the area.
Another challenge involves ensuring compliance with a ceasefire. Putin remains opposed to NATO troops along the eastern frontlines. Ukrainian and American delegates recently debated a 30-day ceasefire during discussions in Saudi Arabia. Following lengthy talks, Ukraine confirmed its willingness to accept the proposal.
French President Macron and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. During their meeting on Tuesday, they pledged continued assistance and called for clear commitments from Russia.