Trump Highlights Positive Call with Putin on Russia-Ukraine Situation
In a recent interview, President Donald Trump shared his views on international matters, including Russia, Ukraine, China, and U.S. nationalism. He described a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as "great," as he continues to work towards a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. This conversation took place following Ukraine's agreement to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire earlier in March.
Trump mentioned that the dialogue with Putin covered various topics, including efforts to achieve peace in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Despite these discussions, Putin did not agree to a full ceasefire but announced a temporary halt to strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days.
Shortly after the Kremlin's announcement, reports emerged of a Russian-guided bomb disrupting power in Slovyansk, Ukraine, with air raid sirens sounding in several cities, including Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv.
Trump reiterated his belief that the conflict would not have occurred if he were still president, stating it was "not a war that was supposed to happen." He expressed concerns about the current military standoff and the potential for escalation, emphasizing that there are no American troops involved but warning of the risks of a broader conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuted Trump's claims of Ukrainian troops being surrounded, calling such reports false and politically motivated. The Ukrainian military also dismissed these allegations as fabricated.
Following the call, the Kremlin announced plans for a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, with 175 individuals to be swapped on each side. The Kremlin's statement also suggested that a comprehensive ceasefire would require halting Ukraine's mobilization and rearmament, as well as stopping foreign military support to Kyiv.