Trump Proposes Ceasefire to Putin After Ukrainian Approval
Trump aims to propose a 30-day ceasefire to Putin, following Ukraine’s readiness for peace and U.S. support. Despite optimism, skepticism remains about Russia’s commitment. Recent violence in Ukraine underscores the urgency of the situation. European leaders emphasize the need for actionable plans as diplomatic talks continue.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump plans to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, having received approval from Ukraine. A phone call between Trump and Putin is expected this week, following a significant eight-hour meeting with Ukrainian officials in Riyadh. Trump emphasized that cooperation is crucial, stating, “it takes two to tango.”
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, asserted that the decision now rests with Russia and voiced hope for a swift affirmative response. He noted, “If they say no, then we’ll know unfortunately what is the impediment to peace here.” Meanwhile, recent violence continued in Ukraine, with Dnipro experiencing severe shelling and civilian casualties reported in Odesa amidst Russia’s lack of commitment to the ceasefire.
During the Riyadh talks, Ukraine confirmed its willingness for a ceasefire, with U.S. support for resuming military aid and intelligence. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine was prepared for peace, urging Russia to demonstrate its intent to end the conflict. He acknowledged Trump’s efforts toward a peaceful resolution and underscored the necessity for Russia to respond.
The proposed ceasefire terms go beyond prior British and French suggestions, aiming for a comprehensive halt in all forms of conflict across the frontline. Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko hailed the ceasefire initiative as a significant step, though he expressed skepticism about Putin’s sincerity regarding peace talks.
Keir Starmer, UK’s Opposition Leader, identified the ceasefire as a pivotal moment for peace and stressed the urgent need for Russia’s affirmative response. As Trump expressed optimism for cooperation from Russia, a Ukrainian official indicated that the ceasefire aims to challenge Putin’s intentions.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged European military leaders to develop actionable security plans for Ukraine, highlighting this as a crucial period for European leadership. Following the discussions, a potential minerals resource agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine was mentioned, pending future negotiations.
Before the ceasefire proposal, Ukraine launched a significant drone assault on Russia, with Moscow claiming to have intercepted numerous drones, resulting in casualties. Additionally, Trump’s envoy is set to meet with Putin in Moscow, amid reports suggesting that Putin remains rigid on his demands regarding Ukraine.
If Russia refuses to agree to the ceasefire, Senator Lindsey Graham proposed escalating sanctions against Moscow. Despite previous claims from Trump regarding Putin’s openness to peacekeeping forces, reiterations from Russian officials reflect continued rejection. Former Russian military commander Viktor Sobolev expressed doubt about the feasibility of the U.S. ceasefire proposal, indicating Russia’s likely opposition.
In summary, Trump’s proposed ceasefire with Russia represents a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, requiring mutual agreement for success. Ukrainian officials express hope for peace, yet skepticism remains regarding Russia’s response. The involvement of Western powers and future negotiations may shape the course of these discussions, highlighting the complexities surrounding the ceasefire and regional stability.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
