Russian authorities and state-run media celebrated on Thursday following President Donald Trump’s shift in U.S. policy, announcing plans for a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a peace agreement regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly three years.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that he would not agree to any negotiations concerning Ukraine that excluded his nation’s involvement. European nations echoed this sentiment, insisting they too should have a role in any discussions.
Trump’s recent change of perspective seemed to elevate Putin’s significance as the primary negotiator to end hostilities, potentially sidelining Zelenskyy and European leaders from the peace talks. The Ukrainian president expressed concern, stating that such an exclusion could be “very dangerous.”
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Putin has faced severe isolation from Western nations, which intensified after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in 2023, accusing him of war crimes.
The announcement from Trump signaled a major shift in diplomatic relations that could mark a critical juncture for Ukraine and its European neighbors.
Russian officials celebrated Putin’s newfound prominence congruent with the discussions held between Trump and Putin that spanned over an hour. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that the current U.S. administration’s stance appeared to be far more favorable.
Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s National Security Council deputy chair, tweeted that the communication between the leaders was a significant milestone. Senior lawmaker Alexei Pushkov added that the call would be pivotal in the history of global diplomacy.
Pushkov asserted that both Kyiv and Europe were likely examining Trump’s statement about the call in disbelief. A state-run news agency wrote that it appeared Trump had delivered a severe blow to Zelenskyy, reflecting the belief that the U.S. had finally found common ground with Putin.
In the context of negotiations, former expectations—often summarized as “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine”—were revealed as obsolete, highlighting a diminishing concern for the opinions of Kyiv and Brussels.
Zelenskyy, addressing the media after receiving updates from both Trump and Putin, noted it was disconcerting that Trump spoke to Putin first. Still, he emphasized the importance of avoiding an agreement aligning solely with Putin’s agenda. He firmly stated, “As an independent country, we cannot accept any agreements made without our participation,” while visiting a nuclear power facility in western Ukraine.
Despite his cautious tone, Trump reassured reporters that Ukraine would certainly be involved in U.S. negotiations with Russia. He expressed intentions to discuss matters with both Ukrainian and Russian leaders simultaneously.
Moreover, he did not prioritize Russia in his conversation with Zelenskyy, who emphasized the significance of maintaining U.S. support. Zelenskyy noted that he trusts Trump’s commitment to that support.
Concerns grew among European leaders and within NATO regarding Trump’s remarks, which seemed to undermine Ukraine’s aspirations to join the alliance, a goal previously deemed irreversible less than a year ago. Trump asserted that Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership was a catalyst for Russia’s aggression, suggesting that this opposition would remain.
This shift in the U.S. administration’s stance closely resembles Moscow’s desired outcome for the conflict, raising alarms among NATO members and EU countries regarding their involvement in negotiations.
Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged unity, declaring that collaboration among Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. was essential. EU foreign affairs representative Kaja Kallas warned that any agreements made without European involvement would be ineffective.
Several officials expressed skepticism about Trump’s optimistic outlook regarding negotiations. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna cautioned against viewing the situation through a simplistic lens, advocating for continuous support for Ukraine and sustained pressure on Russia.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz acknowledged the importance of dialogue with Putin but stated that any peace dictated by Russia would face rejection in Europe. He emphasized the requirement for cohesive American and European security, warning that only Putin would gain from a divide.
Amid these developments, a soldier from Ukraine’s 53rd Brigade commented on the talks, expressing a willingness for dialogue only if it offers substantial benefits. However, skepticism lingered regarding the prospects of peace negotiations, given the irreconcilable terms set forth by both sides.
Another Ukrainian army officer highlighted an urgent need for increased Western military assistance, stressing the limitations of current ammunition supplies and the unsustainable situation on the front lines.
