Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday in a closely watched summit focused on ending the war in Ukraine. Despite days of speculation about a potential breakthrough, the two leaders did not agree on a ceasefire.
Trump, who has repeatedly pushed for a resolution, wrote on Truth Social that “all agreed the best path to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to pursue a direct Peace Agreement rather than a temporary Ceasefire, which often collapses.”
The former president confirmed he will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Monday to discuss next steps toward peace.
Trump Says Talks Were “Very Successful”
Following hours of private discussions, Trump said the summit with Putin “went very well.” However, the absence of a ceasefire has raised concerns among Ukraine and European allies, who argue that the ongoing fighting only strengthens Russia’s position.
European leaders issued a joint statement stressing that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations about its future. “It will be up to Ukraine to decide on its own territory,” the statement read. They also vowed to maintain sanctions and economic pressure on Moscow until a “just and lasting peace” is achieved.
Reactions From Kyiv and Moscow
Zelenskyy, who was not invited to the Trump-Putin meeting, said he looks forward to “discussing all details about ending the killings and the war” during his upcoming Oval Office meeting with Trump.
Meanwhile, Russian officials hailed the summit as a diplomatic win. President Putin described the talks as “frank and meaningful,” while Russian senator Andrei Klishas declared that a “new European and international security framework is now on the table, and the world must adapt to it.”
What Comes Next?
Trump signaled that if his meeting with Zelenskyy is productive, he may then arrange another round of talks with Putin. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Fox News that Trump’s priority is finding “a comprehensive peace deal, in cooperation with European partners, to finally end the war.”
The coming week could prove decisive, as both allies and adversaries wait to see whether Washington can push forward a concrete path to peace—or whether the conflict will continue with no immediate resolution.
Post a Comment