Trump to Speak with Putin Amid Ceasefire Deal Progress, Zelenskyy Urges Pressure on Moscow
Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, focusing on the final details of a potential agreement aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Trump revealed his plans via a post on his Truth Social platform, indicating that while significant progress has been made, substantial elements of the agreement remain unresolved.
"Many elements of the Final Agreement have been agreed to but much remains," Trump wrote. He underscored the devastating human cost of the conflict, stating, "Thousands of young soldiers, and others, are being killed. Each week brings 2,500 soldier deaths, from both sides, and it must end NOW." Trump concluded his post by expressing his eagerness for the conversation with President Putin.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration reportedly edges closer to securing a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine. Discussions surrounding the proposed agreement are expected to include contentious issues such as potential territorial concessions by Kyiv and the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a site of ongoing concern due to the risks associated with military activity near a nuclear facility.
According to sources, the Trump administration has been actively pursuing a resolution to the three-year conflict. A key demand from the Kremlin, as articulated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, is an "ironclad" guarantee that Ukraine will be permanently barred from joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This condition reflects Russia’s long-standing security concerns regarding NATO’s expansion in Eastern Europe, which it views as a direct threat to its strategic interests.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered a cautiously optimistic assessment of the situation last week, telling reporters that "we have never been closer to peace." Her statement coincided with the U.S. awaiting Russia’s response to a proposed 30-day ceasefire agreement. Ukraine reportedly accepted the deal earlier in the week following discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, but their acceptance is contingent upon Moscow’s commitment to the plan.
However, despite these signs of potential progress, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has voiced skepticism and urged world leaders to intensify pressure on Moscow. Zelenskyy has repeatedly accused Putin of deliberately prolonging peace talks to extend the war, a sentiment he reiterated in a recent post on X.
"It’s clear to everyone in the world—even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years—that it is Putin who continues to drag out this war," Zelenskyy wrote. He criticized Putin’s apparent reluctance to agree to the ceasefire proposal, stating, "For a week now, Putin has been unable to squeeze out ‘yes’ to the ceasefire proposal. He’s saying whatever he wants, but not what the whole world wants to hear."
Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for global pressure to compel Moscow to end the conflict. He described the unconditional ceasefire proposal as "essentially about saving lives, allowing diplomats to work on ensuring security and a lasting peace—the proposal that Russia is ignoring." He concluded his statement by asserting, "Pressure is needed to finally make Moscow accept that their war must be brought to an end."
The differing perspectives of the key stakeholders highlight the complex and delicate nature of the ongoing negotiations. While the Trump administration and its allies express optimism about the prospects for a ceasefire, Zelenskyy remains wary of Putin’s intentions and insists on a firm commitment from Russia to de-escalate the conflict.
The proposed ceasefire deal represents a crucial opportunity to halt the bloodshed and pave the way for a more comprehensive peace agreement. However, significant obstacles remain, including the divergent interests and demands of Russia and Ukraine, as well as the broader geopolitical context surrounding the conflict.
The outcome of Trump’s upcoming conversation with Putin will be closely watched by the international community, as it could significantly influence the trajectory of the peace process. Whether the two leaders can bridge their differences and find common ground remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high. The lives of countless individuals, the stability of the region, and the future of European security hang in the balance.
The potential for territorial concessions from Kyiv remains a particularly sensitive issue. Any agreement that requires Ukraine to cede territory to Russia is likely to face strong opposition within Ukraine and from its international partners, who view such concessions as rewarding aggression and undermining the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Similarly, the control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is a source of ongoing concern. The plant, which is currently under Russian control, has been the target of shelling and other military activity, raising fears of a potential nuclear disaster. Ensuring the safe and secure operation of the plant is a top priority for the international community, and any peace agreement must address this issue effectively.
Ultimately, the success of the ceasefire deal will depend on the willingness of all parties to compromise and prioritize the interests of peace and security. While significant progress has been made, much work remains to be done to bridge the remaining divides and secure a lasting resolution to the conflict. The world watches with bated breath, hoping that Trump’s call with Putin will bring about a breakthrough and usher in an era of peace for Ukraine and the wider region.
