Ceasefire deadline looms as Trump pushes for peace talks with Russia and Ukraine
Planned Meeting Between Trump and Putin
The Kremlin announced on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold a high-level bilateral meeting in the coming days, possibly as early as next week.
- Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that both sides have agreed to the meeting, following a request from the American side.
- A location has been selected, but it has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Possibility of a Three-Way Summit
Trump also stated on Wednesday that he hoped to organize a joint meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “very soon.”
- Zelenskyy responded positively on social media, saying:
“Ukraine is not afraid of meetings and expects the same brave approach from the Russian side.”
- He stressed that Europe must be involved in any peace effort, noting discussions have included:
- Two bilateral formats
- One potential trilateral format
Ceasefire Deadline and Sanctions
Trump has given Moscow a deadline of Friday to agree to a ceasefire in its war on Ukraine, warning that if no agreement is reached, broader economic sanctions will be imposed.
- Russia has not publicly commented on the proposed three-way summit or the ceasefire deadline.
- Zelenskyy and European leaders have confirmed discussions with Trump about the upcoming talks.
Ongoing Diplomacy, No Breakthrough Yet
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Putin earlier this week—his fifth visit to Moscow since Trump took office in January.
- The Kremlin described the discussions as “constructive” but did not share many details.
- Trump admitted that little progress has been made:
“I don’t call it a breakthrough … we’ve been working at this for a long time. There are thousands of young people dying … I’m here to get the thing over with.”
Major Obstacles to Peace
Despite talks, Russia continues airstrikes across Ukraine, and key demands from Moscow remain unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies:
Russia’s conditions include:
- Ukrainian demilitarization
- Neutrality and withdrawal from NATO ambitions
- Ukrainian withdrawal from occupied territories
- Recognition of Russian control over Crimea
- Lifting of international sanctions
Ukraine has firmly rejected these terms.
U.S. and Global Response
In the meantime, the White House has approved an additional $200 million in military aid to Ukraine, which includes:
- Drone manufacturing support
- Defense logistics and operational aid
Separately, Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on Indian imports, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil as the reason.
Conclusion: Low Expectations, High Stakes
Although talks are ongoing and Trump is positioning himself as a potential peacemaker, expectations for a quick peace deal remain low.
- The Kremlin’s demands are unlikely to be accepted by Ukraine.
- The humanitarian cost continues to rise.
- Diplomatic efforts are intensifying, but a political solution remains distant.
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