Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands during a bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 28, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
U.S.-Russia Peace Talks on Ukraine Set to Focus on Territorial Concessions
Trump to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire with Putin
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will hold discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The talks are expected to address territorial concessions by Kyiv and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, among other key issues.
- Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump stated: “What’s happening in Ukraine is not good, but we’re going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace, and I think we’ll be able to do it.”
- Trump has been advocating for a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine accepted last week.
- Heavy aerial strikes continued on Monday, while Russian forces moved closer to expelling Ukrainian troops from their positions in Russia’s Kursk region.
Ceasefire and Potential Territorial Concessions
Trump suggested that territorial issues and control over key infrastructure would be central to the discussions.
- When asked about potential concessions, he stated: “We’ll be talking about land. We’ll be talking about power plants … We’re already talking about that, dividing up certain assets.”
- The remarks likely refer to Zaporizhzhia, Europe’s largest nuclear facility, currently under Russian control.
- The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, indicated that the power plant would be a topic in the upcoming talks.
- The Kremlin declined to comment on Trump’s specific remarks but confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Ukraine’s Response and Concerns Over Russian Intentions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accused Russia of prolonging the conflict despite knowing about the ceasefire proposal for over a week.
- In his nightly address, Zelenskiy stated: “This proposal could have been implemented long ago. Every day in wartime means human lives.”
- While Kyiv accepted the ceasefire plan, Zelenskiy has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
U.S. Perspective and Diplomatic Challenges
U.S. officials acknowledge that significant challenges remain before a ceasefire agreement can be reached.
- National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized that negotiations would require balancing realistic expectations with national interests, stating:
- “We have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic? … Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil?”
- The Kremlin confirmed that Putin had sent a message to Trump via U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, expressing “cautious optimism” about a potential agreement.
Russia’s Demands for Peace Negotiations
Moscow has outlined specific conditions for a peace deal, including:
- “Ironclad” guarantees that Ukraine will never join NATO.
- Recognition of Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territories.
- Limitations on the size of the Ukrainian military.
- Easing of Western sanctions imposed on Russia.
- A presidential election in Ukraine, which Kyiv deems premature due to martial law.
- Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko reiterated Moscow’s position, stating:
- “We will demand that ironclad security guarantees become part of this agreement.”
- The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, argued that Russia’s demands suggest Moscow is not genuinely seeking peace.
Potential for Peacekeeping Troops in Ukraine
Several European nations, including Britain and France, have expressed willingness to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine following a peace agreement.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed ongoing discussions with defense leaders regarding potential troop deployment.
- However, Russia has ruled out any peacekeeping presence until the conflict has fully ended.
- Grushko warned that if foreign troops entered Ukraine during hostilities, they would be considered combatants in the conflict.
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