Following a recent shift in U.S. policy, Russian officials and state media expressed elation Thursday after President Donald Trump announced plans for a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This potential engagement aims to facilitate a peace agreement regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly three years.
In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that any discussions concerning Ukraine must involve his nation’s participation. Governments across Europe echoed his sentiments, insisting on their inclusion in negotiations.
Trump’s pivot appears to position Putin as the principal figure in resolving the conflict, seemingly sidelining both Zelenskyy and European leaders. Zelenskyy recently labeled this scenario as “very dangerous,” expressing concerns about marginalization in peace talks.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has faced isolation from the West, and in 2023, an arrest warrant for war crimes was issued by the International Criminal Court against him. Trump’s announcement signals a significant diplomatic shift that could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine and its European neighbors.
Russian reaction to this development was jubilant, particularly following the lengthy phone call between Trump and Putin that took place the previous day. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that the current U.S. administration’s stance appeared more favorable than before. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s National Security Council, proclaimed the call’s significance, while lawmaker Alexei Pushkov asserted that it would significantly alter the landscape of global diplomacy.
Analyzing the communication, Russian state media articulated a sense of triumph, claiming that Trump’s positions indicate a significant setback for Zelenskyy. They argued that the prevailing principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine” has been cast aside, suggesting that Washington is now indifferent to Ukrainian and European perspectives.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy conveyed his dissatisfaction upon learning that Trump spoke with Putin ahead of their conversation. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that any agreements are made with Ukraine’s involvement. During their talk, Trump reportedly expressed a desire to coordinate discussions between both leaders simultaneously, a notion that Zelenskyy found reassuring, underscoring the U.S. support for Ukraine.
Alarm has spread through Europe and NATO regarding Trump’s apparent willingness to negotiate without the inclusion of Ukraine. His comments have dashed hopes for Ukraine’s NATO membership and potential reclamation of previously occupied territories, currently comprising around 20% of Ukraine.
The shift in the U.S. administration’s strategy appears to align closely with Russia’s vision for ending the conflict, raising concerns within the 32-member NATO alliance and the 27-nation European Union about the future implications for regional security. Some European leaders, wary of their own vulnerability to Russian aggression, stressed that they must be engaged in discussions.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that collaboration among Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. is essential, while EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas insisted that any negotiations conducted without European involvement would be unproductive.
Contrary viewpoints emerged, arguing against Trump’s optimistic positioning. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that just as Putin shows no intention of halting hostilities during negotiations, the West must continue to advocate unity and strengthen support for Ukraine.
Concerns resonate among Ukrainian soldiers as well. One member of the 53rd Brigade acknowledged the necessity of dialogue between Trump and Putin yet remained skeptical about the potential negotiations, citing previous conflicting demands from both sides. This soldier expressed doubt that Putin’s terms would ever align with Ukraine’s expectations, leading her to believe that the conflict could only be resolved through force.
Similarly, an officer in the Ukrainian military, who maintains contact with various brigades, highlighted a prevailing sentiment among his peers desiring increased Western military assistance over any peace agreement. He pointed out the urgent need for more supplies, expressing the harsh reality that their current ammunition levels would be insufficient to maintain operations for more than a month.
