Trump’s Ukraine Ceasefire Push Stalls as Zelensky and Putin Dig In
WASHINGTON—Former President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia have hit a wall, with both Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin seemingly unwilling to compromise, according to sources familiar with the situation. The impasse follows Trump’s recent dialog with Zelensky and warnings to Putin posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, signaling a renewed, even though thus far unsuccessful, attempt by the former president to involve himself in the region’s conflict.
Six days ago, Trump presented a potential truce initiative that was “guaranteed” by putin but “questioned” by Zelensky, according to a draft obtained by Archyde.com. The proposal included several key provisions:
The U.S. woudl “officially recognize” Crimea as Russian territory. The U.S. would “promise” that Ukraine “will not be” a member of NATO.
The U.S. would “actually recognize” Russia’s occupation of Luhansk,Donetsk,Kherson,and Zaporizhzhia.
The U.S.would “lift the sanctions imposed” on Russia for its 2014 annexation of Crimea.
Zelensky “rejected the last initiative” designed by Trump and rather offered a counterproposal that Putin subsequently “discarded” in his recent meeting with Steve Witkoff, identified as Trump’s “special correspondent” for Russia and the Middle East.
According to sources in Kyiv, Zelensky’s counterproposal included the following points:
Ukraine “may increase” its war potential, despite a truce with Russia.
Europe “will display troops” in Ukraine to strengthen its national security, before an eventual Russian invasion.
“Frozen Russian assets” from the 2022 invasion “will be used” as reparations in favor of Ukraine.These seemingly “irreconcilable” positions have created a “diplomatic swamp” for potential White House mediation,highlighting the deep divisions and entrenched interests at play.
The diplomatic effort was further complicated by an unexpected, albeit brief (15 minutes or less), dialogue between Trump and Zelensky at the Basilica of San Pedro before the funeral of Pope Francis. It was “the first time” that the two leaders had communicated since their political confrontation in the Oval Office, stemming from “a contract on strategic minerals” between ukraine and the U.S.
While both Trump and Zelensky adhered to diplomatic protocol by publicly confirming a meeting had happened, opinions diverged thereafter: Zelensky “thanked” Trump for the emergency meeting, while Steven cheung, White House communications director, said rather vaguely that the meeting was “very productive.”
However,Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a more sober assessment during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press. When asked, “How much time is [the US] willing to give Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace agreement?” rubio responded, “I think this will be a very critical week. This week will be really vital, in which we will have to decide whether we want to continue participating in this effort, or if it is time to focus on other issues that are equal or more important in some cases.”
Rubio concluded, “There is no military solution for this war.The only solution is a negotiated agreement where both parties have to give in something thay say they want and give the other part something they would like to have not given. This is how wars are over and that is what we try to achieve here so that more people will die.”
Concurrently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, presented Russia’s counterargument, stating, “If Europe wants a fire, it is indeed only to continue providing weapons to Ukraine.”
In this very way, Trump, upon return to Washington, “will be [tasked] to break the stealmate* who imposed Putin and Zelensky with their proposals to dictate an eventual cessation of fire In Ukraine,” sources indicate. he “bet on diplomatic route to to sit To putin and Zelensky at the negotiating table,” but geopolitical forces may prove too strong. “The Russian leader will continue with his attacks if Trump does not crows his demands, While Zelensky It relies on Europe to curb The republican Initiative and rule out The territorial claims of the Kremlin.”
despite the challenges, Trump remains committed to finding a resolution, although it is not clear whether this specific initiative can gain traction or if a new approach would be required. The former president is betting on his personal relationships and deal-making abilities to bridge the divide, but the complexities of the conflict and the deeply entrenched positions of both sides present a formidable obstacle.
Counterargument: Some critics argue that Trump’s approach of offering concessions to Russia undermines international law and sets a dangerous precedent for territorial aggression. By recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and its occupation of other Ukrainian territories,the U.S. would be legitimizing actions that violate ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Additionally, lifting sanctions on Russia would remove a meaningful tool of economic pressure, potentially emboldening further aggression.
FAQ: Ukraine Ceasefire Efforts
Q: What are the main sticking points preventing a ceasefire in ukraine?
A: The primary obstacles are disagreements over territorial control, NATO membership for Ukraine, and the lifting of sanctions on Russia.each side has presented proposals that are unacceptable to the other.
Q: Why is Donald Trump involved in trying to broker a ceasefire?
A: The role of a former leader is to leverage personal relationships with both Putin and Zelensky to facilitate negotiations. He believes he can achieve a breakthrough where others have failed.
Q: What role is Europe playing in the ceasefire negotiations?
A: European countries are largely supporting Zelensky’s position, including the potential deployment of troops to strengthen Ukraine’s security and the use of frozen Russian assets for reparations.
Q: What is the U.S.Secretary of State’s view on the prospects for peace?
A: Rubio stated,”There is no military solution for this war. The only solution is a negotiated agreement where both parties have to give in something they say they want and give the other part something they would like to have not given. This is how wars are over and that is what we try to achieve here so that more people will die.”
Q: What happens if no ceasefire agreement is reached?
A: Without a negotiated settlement, the war is likely to continue, resulting in further casualties, displacement, and destruction. the ongoing conflict also carries the risk of broader escalation, potentially involving other countries.
