Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A key proposal from the U.S. involves a 30-day ceasefire as a preliminary step towards a more comprehensive peace agreement. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed concerns that Putin might use this temporary truce to stall the peace process and prolong the conflict.
Ukraine is under pressure to consider the ceasefire after President Trump withheld military aid and intelligence sharing. It is anticipated that Trump may threaten additional sanctions on Russia to encourage Putin to agree to the terms. Trump has indicated that discussions will include the division of land and power resources as part of the peace negotiations.
Despite the proposed ceasefire, both parties are hesitant to make significant compromises, each holding firm to their non-negotiable demands. Trump mentioned on social media that although some elements of a final agreement are in place, much remains unresolved, with significant casualties continuing on both sides.
Putin's initial demands when he invaded Ukraine in February 2022 included Ukraine's withdrawal from NATO aspirations, a reduction in its military, and protection for Russian language and culture. Now, he also demands Ukraine pull back from four regions annexed by Russia in September 2022—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
Russia insists that any peace agreement should include the unfreezing of Russian assets in the West and the lifting of U.S. and EU sanctions. The Trump administration has suggested that easing sanctions could be part of the negotiations.
Putin has repeatedly called for addressing what he sees as the root causes of the crisis, particularly NATO's military presence near Russian borders. He also questions Zelensky's legitimacy to negotiate a peace deal, given that Ukraine has not held elections due to the ongoing war. Trump has echoed the need for Ukraine to conduct elections.
Russia has also stated it will not accept NATO troops as peacekeepers. Ukraine, facing military challenges, has retracted its demand for a return to pre-2014 borders, recognizing its current military limitations.
Ukraine seeks a peace agreement backed by international security guarantees to prevent future Russian invasions. While NATO membership remains unlikely, discussions led by France and Britain are exploring alternative security arrangements, potentially involving European and possibly Australian forces.
Zelensky emphasizes the need to strengthen Ukraine's military to deter future Russian aggression, requiring substantial international support. Ukraine also demands the return of children taken to Russia and the release of civilians held in Russian prisons.
The negotiations are complicated by both sides' firm stances on critical issues. The U.S. has urged both parties to make concessions, but the fate of Ukrainian territories under Russian control remains a contentious point. For Russia, NATO's involvement is a red line, while for Ukraine, the status of occupied territories is both a red line and a potential area for compromise.
Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will never recognize these territories as part of Russia, maintaining that this stance is both a legal and constitutional obligation. Ukraine also refuses to accept any limitations on its military capabilities or its ability to join international alliances like NATO and the EU.