Trump’s Diplomatic Efforts Hit Setback in Ukraine-Russia Conflict
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump kicked off the week by expressing optimism about fostering peace between Russia and Ukraine. He announced that arrangements had begun for direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
However, just four days later, that optimism has waned. Russia’s top diplomat made it clear that a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy won’t happen until Ukraine agrees to several key demands from Moscow aimed at ending the conflict.
This is a significant setback for Trump, who had been touting his diplomatic push as a way to resolve a war he pledged to end on his first day in office. On Friday, he suggested he might take further action in two weeks if direct talks do not materialize. He indicated that new sanctions or tariffs on Russia are on the table, a threat he has made before without following through.
“We’ll see if they have a meeting or not,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “It’ll be interesting to see. If they don’t meet, why didn’t they? I told them to meet. But I’ll know what to do in two weeks.”
Trump’s Promises of Progress Fall Flat
On Monday, Trump announced the kick-off of planning for a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy shortly after talks at the White House with Zelenskyy and European leaders, as well as a phone call with Putin. European leaders initially praised Trump’s positive tone during his meetings, seeing it as a commitment to security assurances for Ukraine post-war.
However, uncertainty has increased about Putin’s willingness to engage in the peace efforts championed by Trump. Russian officials have raised concerns about key aspects of the proposals on the negotiation table.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, stated that Putin is open to meeting Zelenskyy to discuss peace terms, but only once essential issues are settled. This could prolong negotiations, as both sides remain far apart on their demands.
“There’s no meeting planned,” Lavrov noted in an interview. “Putin is willing to meet with Zelenskyy when the agenda is ready for a summit, and that agenda is nowhere near ready.”
Russia Casts Doubt on Security Guarantees
Ukraine seeks Western security guarantees to deter any future Russian aggression. Yet, U.S. and European officials are struggling to outline detailed proposals for how this would work. Lavrov asserted that arranging security for Ukraine without Russia’s participation is pointless.
Meanwhile, Putin made a visit to Sarov, a city pivotal to Russia’s nuclear program since the 1940s, reminding the world of Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
Nigel Gould-Davies, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, pointed out that Putin has not softened his stance. As Trump pitched his peace plan, Russia intensified its military operations, launching one of its most extensive air assaults this year on western Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy remarked on Friday alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during his visit to Kyiv, indicating that the real issue lies in Russia’s reluctance to end the war.
Rutte emphasized Trump’s intent to “break the stalemate” with Putin and engage the U.S. in providing security assurances for Ukraine.
European Diplomat Warns of Potential Traps
The European Union’s chief diplomat warned that any proposal requiring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia as part of a peace agreement is a trap laid by Putin. Russian demands for concessions are a tactic to delay and extend their aggression, as articulated by Kaja Kallas.
Kallas highlighted in a BBC interview, “The focus should not solely be on what Ukraine should concede, forgetting that Russia has made no concessions and is the aggressor here.” She cautioned, “Russia is simply buying time; it’s clear they don’t want peace.”
As the conflict continues, the situation remains precarious, with Trump striving for a resolution while international tensions mount.
