Russian authorities and state media expressed excitement on Thursday after President Donald Trump altered U.S. foreign policy by indicating plans for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming at negotiating peace in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has lasted almost three years.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by asserting that he would refuse any discussions regarding Ukraine that exclude his nation from the negotiations. Simultaneously, European nations voiced a desire for inclusion in the discussions as well.
Trump’s shift seems to position Putin as the central figure in ceasing hostilities, potentially sidelining Zelenskyy and European leaders in the peace negotiations. Zelenskyy recently characterized this scenario as “very dangerous.” Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Putin has faced isolation from Western nations, and in 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him for alleged war crimes.
The implications of Trump’s announcement could signify a major diplomatic transformation with potential consequences for Ukraine and Europe.
In Russia, officials and pro-government media adopted a celebratory tone following a lengthy call between Trump and Putin, which lasted more than an hour.
During a press briefing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that the new U.S. administration’s stance is “far more appealing.” Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s National Security Council, stated in an online message, “The presidents of Russia and the U.S. have finally communicated. This is significant in and of itself.”
Additionally, lawmaker Alexei Pushkov claimed the call would be historically significant for global politics and diplomacy.
In response to the news, Russian state newspaper RIA Novosti published an opinion piece suggesting that the U.S. has hurt Zelenskyy profoundly, highlighting that Trump had found a “common ground” with Putin. The article further noted that the phrase “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” which was previously upheld by Zelenskyy, European leaders, and the former U.S. administration, has lost its significance.
One pro-Kremlin tabloid expressed even more fervently that “Trump signed Zelenskyy’s death sentence.” It asserted, “The illusion of Russia as a ‘pariah’ in international relations, a narrative stubbornly maintained by Western interests, is now shattered.”
In the first comments following Trump’s individual calls with both leaders, Zelenskyy disclosed that he found it “not very pleasant” that Trump spoke with Putin first. He stressed that it is critical not to adhere to Putin’s agenda.
“As an independent nation, we cannot endorse any arrangements (made) without our participation,” Zelenskyy communicated while visiting a nuclear facility in western Ukraine. He mentioned that Trump expressed a desire to hear from both Putin and Zelenskyy simultaneously.
Zelenskyy added that Trump didn’t prioritize Russia or Putin during their conversation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining U.S. support for Ukraine.
Concerns also emerged across Europe and NATO as Trump seemed inclined to broker a deal that excludes both Ukraine and its European allies.
This situation effectively dashed Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership, a goal earlier deemed “irreversible” by the alliance merely months ago, along with a return of territories presently under Russian control, which encompasses nearly 20% of Ukraine.
The U.S. administration’s proposed approach for resolving the conflict aligns closely with Russia’s perspective on a resolution, raising alarms within the 32-member NATO alliance and 27-nation European Union.
Several European governments expressed apprehension about Washington’s new strategy, asserting the necessity of their involvement in discussions. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized on social media that “Ukraine, Europe, and the United States must collectively engage in this process.”
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas also remarked that any agreements made without European and Ukrainian involvement are destined for failure.
Others disapproved of Trump’s overtures, urging for continued Western unity and support for Ukraine while applying pressure on Russia. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated, “Our actions must signal that we will not change course.”
A soldier from Ukraine’s 53rd Brigade stationed in the eastern Donetsk area commented that it’s commonplace for Trump and Putin to communicate, but emphasized that the dialogues must yield significant results for Ukraine.
Despite this, skepticism loomed regarding the negotiations, given the starkly divergent demands of both sides. The soldier observed that past proposals are unacceptable to both parties, asserting that a solution can only come through force.
A Ukrainian army officer, who is in contact with over 40 brigades, relayed that many troops are wary of a peace agreement at any cost, despite their urgent need for more military assistance. He conveyed concerns about dwindling ammunition supplies, which would last merely a few weeks at most, and stressed that Ukraine cannot bear this burden alone.
