Vladimir Putin has consistently asserted Russia’s objective of reaching a long-term settlement in the Ukraine conflict, rather than a mere temporary ceasefire. Recent discussions, including a call between Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and European leaders, have emphasised the necessity of establishing a comprehensive peace agreement. Trump suggested prioritising a peace agreement over a ceasefire, causing some observers to speculate that his views may be aligning more closely with Putin’s stance, potentially allowing continued hostilities during negotiations.
Following the summit in Alaska where Trump hosted Putin, Zelenskyy expressed the importance of involving European leaders in any negotiations, highlighting that they should be included in discussions to ensure robust security guarantees for Ukraine. The conversations between Trump and Zelenskyy reportedly lasted over 90 minutes and covered essential topics related to ending the conflict, with Trump indicating readiness to involve European allies for further talks.
Meanwhile, European leaders have welcomed Trump’s initiative to facilitate a trilateral summit with Russia, underscoring their belief that Ukraine requires firm security guarantees. They emphasised the need for Ukraine to make its own territorial decisions, reinforcing the principle that international borders cannot be altered by force.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation remains precarious, with significant military activity ongoing. Russia continues to launch attacks, with reports of intensified fighting along a 1,000-kilometre front line, and military gains noted since spring. Analysts suggest that Putin’s approach at the summit was aimed at alleviating pressure on Russia while managing to deflect substantive commitments towards ending the conflict.
Zelenskyy called for tougher sanctions if Russia attempts to evade a genuine resolution, reinforcing the sentiment that effective dialogue would be contingent on Moscow’s intentions. As Ukraine faces continued threats, the consensus among European leaders is that a collaborative approach, involving both the U.S. and European nations, is crucial in navigating the crisis.
Putin’s meeting with Trump has been portrayed positively in Russian media, suggesting that it marks a return to dialogue with the West and a recovery of Putin’s status on the global stage. However, skepticism remains regarding Russia’s willingness to cease its military actions, especially in light of ongoing attacks. The complexity of the situation reflects the challenges that lie ahead in achieving a lasting peace in the region amid fluctuating international dynamics.