U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands as they meet in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
Trump Engages in Diplomatic Talks with Putin and Zelenskiy on Ukraine Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump took his first major step toward diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict on Wednesday, engaging in phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump has consistently stated his intention to end the war quickly, though he has not detailed a specific plan.
Diplomatic Discussions
Following his conversation with Putin, Trump announced via his social media platform that both leaders had agreed to initiate immediate negotiations, beginning with a call to Zelenskiy.
- After speaking with the Ukrainian president, Trump stated: “The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE.”
- Zelenskiy’s office reported that their discussion lasted approximately one hour, while the Kremlin noted that Trump and Putin spoke for nearly 90 minutes.
- Zelenskiy later wrote on X that their conversation included discussions on potential peace efforts, Ukraine’s technological capabilities, and its defense industry, including drones.
The Kremlin further confirmed that Putin and Trump had agreed to meet, with Putin extending an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow.
U.S. Position on Ukraine’s Future
In parallel with Trump’s outreach, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a definitive statement on the administration’s stance regarding Ukraine at a NATO meeting in Brussels.
- Hegseth described Ukraine’s aim to reclaim all territory occupied by Russia since 2014 as “unrealistic.”
- He also dismissed the idea of Ukraine joining NATO as part of a negotiated settlement, emphasizing that such an approach would only extend the war and increase suffering.
- Instead, Hegseth proposed “robust security guarantees” to prevent a resurgence of conflict, but clarified that U.S. troops would not be deployed to Ukraine.
European Allies’ Response
In response to Hegseth’s remarks, leaders from France, Germany, and Spain insisted that Ukraine must play an active role in determining its own future.
- French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that Europe would contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees, even if NATO membership remained a long-term prospect.
Zelenskiy Proposes Economic Cooperation
Seeking to maintain U.S. engagement in Ukraine, Zelenskiy has proposed a strategic investment agreement allowing the United States to invest in Ukraine’s mineral resources.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who visited Kyiv on Wednesday, supported this initiative, suggesting that such a deal could serve as a “security shield” for Ukraine in a post-war scenario.
Military Developments and War Progress
The conflict, now nearing its third anniversary, has seen significant shifts:
- Ukraine made early gains, repelling Russian forces from Kyiv and regaining lost territory in 2022.
- However, since 2023, the war has favored Moscow, with Russia making gradual advances amid heavy casualties on both sides.
- Russia currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine and has demanded that Kyiv cede additional territory and remain neutral in any peace agreement.
- Ukraine, meanwhile, insists on full Russian withdrawal and strong security guarantees, whether through NATO membership or equivalent agreements.
Zelenskiy’s Contingency Plan
Acknowledging that NATO membership may not be imminent, Zelenskiy outlined an alternative strategy:
- Ukraine would develop a military force comparable to Russia’s, requiring extensive financial and military aid from the United States.
- In an interview with The Economist, Zelenskiy stated:
“If Ukraine is not in NATO, it means that Ukraine will build NATO on its territory. So we need an army as numerous as the Russians have today.”
“For all this, we need weapons and money. And we will ask the U.S. for this.”
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