Trump to Engage in Talks with Putin on Ukraine Conflict
LONDON and WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced his intention to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. This conversation is part of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. administration to find a resolution to the war in Ukraine.
Recent Progress and Future Prospects
In comments made aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating that “a lot of work” had been undertaken over the weekend. “We’ll see if we have something to announce. Maybe by Tuesday,” he added. The administration’s goal is to explore pathways to conclude the three-year conflict.
“Maybe we can. Maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance,” Trump emphasized while returning to Washington, D.C.
Diplomatic Maneuvering and Reactions
Recent weeks have seen heightened diplomatic activities aimed at encouraging both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in ceasefire negotiations. These efforts included discussions about a potential 30-day ceasefire mediated by officials in Saudi Arabia.
While Putin has expressed a willingness to consider a ceasefire, he has also indicated the necessity for further security assurances. In the meantime, Zelenskyy criticized Russia for “prolonging” the conflict and reiterated his commitment to diplomacy while maintaining a strong defense posture.
“We must remember — as long as the occupier is on our land, and as long as air raid sirens sound, we must defend Ukraine,” Zelenskyy declared during his latest address.
Long-Term Objectives and Territorial Concerns
Zelenskyy has consistently advocated for Ukraine to reclaim territories occupied by Russia, including those captured during the current conflict and the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Meanwhile, Putin has declared his intent to reclaim regions such as Kursk, which was notably seized by Ukrainian forces last summer.
Prospective Concessions in Ceasefire Talks
When asked about what concessions could be expected from the U.S. in the negotiations, Trump mentioned that discussions regarding land and essential resources, such as power plants, would likely take place. He noted, “Well, I think we’ll be talking about land. It’s a lot of land…We’ll be talking about power plants. That’s a big question, but I think we have a lot of it already discussed, very much by both sides.”
Contributed by ABC News’ Jessica Gorman.