Zelenskyy Seeks Details on Peace Proposals After Trump-Putin Call, Reaffirms Red Line on Territory
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed the need for further details regarding potential peace proposals following a phone conversation between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s fundamental red line remains the non-recognition of temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian, highlighting the delicate and complex nature of any potential negotiations.
Zelenskyy announced his intention to speak with Trump on Wednesday, a day after Trump revealed to Fox News’ "The Ingraham Angle" that he had engaged in a nearly two-hour discussion with Putin. "We will discuss the details of the next steps with him," Zelenskyy stated, underlining the importance of Ukraine being included in any discussions pertaining to the conflict. "For us, the red line is the recognition of the Ukrainian temporarily occupied territories as Russian. We will not go for it."
The Ukrainian President’s statement comes amid ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, despite claims from both the U.S. and Russia that Trump and Putin had agreed to a ceasefire targeting those specific assets. Reports indicate that Russia launched a series of drone strikes overnight, impacting civilian areas and even damaging a hospital, further underscoring the continued challenges in de-escalating the conflict.
Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for transparency and inclusivity in any peace process. "We will support any proposals that lead to a sustainable, just peace. But for this, we must understand what is at stake. What are the details? And I hope to God that we know all these details, so that the partners talk to us. Because there are two sides in this war – Russia and Ukraine. Trying to negotiate without Ukraine, in my view, will not be productive," he said. He reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to support efforts toward ending the war but stressed the necessity of understanding the specifics of any proposed plan. "We support all steps toward ending the war. We will give support, but in order to support something, we need to understand what specifically it is," he added.
Amidst the diplomatic maneuvering, Zelenskyy also announced the successful return of 175 Ukrainian soldiers following a prisoner exchange with Russia. Additionally, 22 more soldiers were repatriated through other mechanisms. "This is one of the largest POW exchanges," Zelenskyy stated on X, acknowledging the significance of the event. He specified that those returning included soldiers, sergeants, and officers, with some being "severely wounded warriors and those whom Russia persecuted for fabricated crimes."
Trump characterized his conversation with Putin as "very good and productive" on his social media platform, Truth Social. "Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end," Trump wrote. "That process is now in full force and effect, and we will, hopefully, for the sake of Humanity, get the job done!"
The White House issued a statement following the call, revealing that "The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace." The statement added that "These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East."
However, reports from Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, citing the Kremlin, indicate that Putin stipulated a complete cessation of military aid to Ukraine as a key condition for ending the war. This claim directly contradicts Trump’s own statement to Fox News, where he asserted, "We didn’t talk about aid, actually." He further clarified, "We didn’t talk about aid at all. We talked about a lot of things, but aid was never discussed."
The discrepancy between the Russian and American accounts regarding the content of the Trump-Putin call raises further questions about the nature and feasibility of any potential peace agreement. The conflicting narratives underscore the complexities of navigating the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s insistence on full transparency and direct involvement in any negotiations highlights Ukraine’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The stated red line regarding the non-recognition of occupied territories demonstrates a firm commitment to principles that Ukraine views as non-negotiable.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military actions and differing accounts of diplomatic discussions adding layers of complexity. The upcoming conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump will likely be crucial in clarifying the specifics of any potential peace proposals and ensuring that Ukraine’s interests are adequately represented in the process. The success of any future negotiations hinges on the willingness of all parties to engage in open dialogue, acknowledge Ukraine’s sovereignty, and work towards a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict. The continued support of international partners and the unwavering resilience of the Ukrainian people will be essential in navigating the challenges ahead.
