Russian authorities and state-run media expressed jubilance on Thursday following President Donald Trump’s dramatic shift in U.S. policy, hinting at the possibility of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to forge a peace agreement regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine that has persisted for nearly three years.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted his firm stance against any negotiations concerning Ukraine that exclude his nation from the discussions. European nations also called for inclusion in these talks.
Trump’s new approach suggested that he views Putin as the primary key holder in resolving the conflict, potentially sidelining both Zelenskyy and European leaders in any peace talks. Zelenskyy described this development as “very dangerous”.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has faced international isolation, and this year, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant charging him with war crimes. Trump’s announcement has stirred significant diplomatic tides, which could mark a pivotal juncture for Ukraine and Europe.
With enthusiasm, Russian officials and media celebrated an hour-long phone call between Trump and Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted that the current U.S. administration’s stance was indeed more favorable.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chair of Russia’s National Security Council, noted online that the interaction between the two presidents was crucial in itself, while senior lawmaker Alexei Pushkov declared it a historic moment in global diplomacy. He speculated that capitals like Kyiv, Brussels, Paris, and London would react in shock to Trump’s statements regarding his dialogue with Putin.
According to RIA Novosti, a pro-Russian news outlet, Trump’s actions have adversely affected Zelenskyy and signaled a shift away from the longstanding principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine,” a significant stance previously upheld by Zelenskyy, the European Union, and the prior U.S. administration.
The Russian tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda went so far as to assert that Trump effectively signed a “death sentence” for Zelenskyy, emphasizing that the perception of Russia as a global outcast has dramatically shifted, contrary to Western narratives.
In his initial remarks post-conversation with both Putin and Zelenskyy, Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy warned against acquiescing to Putin’s plans and asserted that Ukraine would not accept any agreements made without their consent. He emphasized this stance during a visit to a nuclear facility in the western region of Ukraine, expressing confidence in maintaining U.S. support.
Alarm was widespread across Europe and among NATO allies, who are concerned about Trump making deals that could bypass Ukraine and the interests of European governments. This bold approach appeared to diminish Ukraine’s prospects for NATO membership and to recover territories occupied by Russian forces, which currently control about 20% of Ukraine.
The U.S. administration seems to favor a resolution similar to Russia’s proposed terms, heightening tensions within NATO and the European Union. European nations, wary of potential Kremlin ambitions, expressed the necessity of being part of negotiations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Ukraine, Europe, and the United States must collaborate more than ever.
Conversely, some European officials expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s optimistic outlook, insisting on the importance of maintaining unity in support of Ukraine and applying pressure on Russia. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that aligning actions to demonstrate unwavering commitment is imperative.
A Ukrainian military officer from the 53rd Brigade, stationed in the eastern Donetsk region, noted the normalcy of dialogue between Trump and Putin but insisted on a need for substance that would yield tangible outcomes for Ukraine. However, they expressed doubt regarding the likelihood of successful negotiations, citing the fundamentally conflicting demands previously put forth by Russia and Ukraine.
Another Ukrainian officer shared concerns about the military’s limited resources, expressing desperation for more Western assistance amid fears that their supply of ammunition would last only a couple of weeks. He lamented that they could not effectively manage the situation independently without further support.
