A crucial phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took place on Tuesday, lasting over two hours. This conversation, which focused on a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, has sparked widespread discussions in diplomatic circles. While both leaders agreed on the need for peace, several critical points and challenges emerged from the dialogue.
Trump and Putin’s Two-Hour Discussion
Donald Trump initiated the call at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (US), and it extended well beyond two hours, as both leaders engaged in an open exchange of views regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to reports from the White House, the discussion was constructive, with Putin expressing appreciation for Trump’s efforts to mediate peace and reduce human casualties.
The Russian President reiterated his commitment to a peaceful resolution but emphasized that any agreement must address the fundamental causes of the conflict and Russia’s security interests.
Discussions on the Proposed 30-Day Truce
The central theme of the conversation was Trump's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. While Putin expressed cautious support for the initiative, he outlined several key concerns:
Enforcement of the Ceasefire: Russia emphasized the necessity of an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance from all parties involved in the war.
Ukraine’s Military Readiness: The Russian side insisted on halting forced mobilization and rearmament efforts in Ukraine during the truce period.
Kyiv’s Commitment: Russia expressed skepticism over Ukraine’s ability to uphold ceasefire agreements, citing past instances where agreements were allegedly violated.
Foreign Military Aid to Ukraine: Putin stressed that peace efforts would be futile unless Western nations ceased supplying weapons and intelligence to Kyiv.
Humanitarian Considerations: Trump specifically raised concerns about the lives of Ukrainian servicemen surrounded in the Kursk region. In response, Putin assured that Russia would abide by humanitarian principles and offer fair treatment to any surrendering Ukrainian troops in accordance with international law.
Challenges and Reactions to the Ceasefire Plan
While the White House conveyed optimism regarding the discussions, significant roadblocks remain. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, suggesting that Putin’s willingness to negotiate is a strategic move rather than a genuine effort for peace.
“Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians. That’s why Moscow is setting preconditions that will either make the ceasefire fail or drag on indefinitely,” Zelenskyy stated.
Furthermore, Ukrainian officials reiterated that the country’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, demanding that Russia withdraw from all occupied territories, including Crimea and the regions taken since 2022. This position stands in contrast to Russia’s demands for security guarantees and the cessation of Western military support to Kyiv.
Delays and Diplomatic Backchanneling
The Trump-Putin call was initially scheduled an hour earlier but was delayed as Putin was addressing Russian oligarchs at a business conference. Reports indicate that during his speech, Putin discussed how Western sanctions continue to isolate Russia economically.
Additionally, reports suggest that Kremlin officials had already sent a message to Trump through U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, outlining Russia’s stance on the ceasefire proposal. Moscow expressed “cautious optimism” but indicated that a comprehensive peace deal would require extensive negotiations.
What Lies Ahead?
Despite the lengthy discussion and expressions of willingness to explore peace, the war in Ukraine remains deeply complex. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, have acknowledged that brokering a lasting peace deal remains a formidable challenge.
For now, the world watches as diplomatic negotiations continue. Whether this Trump-Putin dialogue marks a genuine turning point or is merely another chapter in the prolonged conflict remains to be seen.
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