Ukraine Zelensky: Russia Stalls Peace; Trump Pushes Ukraine Deal!

[CharlieH]

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of complicating peace efforts by refusing a ceasefire. "Russia rebuffs calls for peace, still no end to the killing," Zelensky wrote on X.

 

He plans to visit Washington DC, where US President Donald Trump will urge him towards a peace agreement.

Trump intends to bypass a ceasefire, aiming for a direct and lasting peace following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. On Truth Social, Trump advocated moving straight to a permanent deal, arguing that ceasefires often collapse. Zelensky responded, pressing for genuine peace and an end to violence, listing key conditions: a credible security guarantee and the return of children allegedly taken from occupied territories.

 

Trump's change in stance marks a departure from his earlier push for a swift ceasefire. Meanwhile, Putin has suggested a peace offer requiring Ukraine's withdrawal from the Donetsk region in exchange for Russia freezing front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. This proposal heightens tensions over territorial control, a critical issue for Ukraine, considering Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

 

Ukraine firmly rejects ceding control of Donbas, fearing it could be a base for future threats. CBS reports indicate European diplomats are concerned Trump might pressure Zelensky into a quick agreement. According to these reports, Trump mentioned Putin's potential "concessions", though details remain vague.

 

In a Fox News segment, Trump advised Zelensky to "make a deal," noting Russia’s significant power. Previously, Trump had warned of "severe consequences" for Russia if they didn't agree to a ceasefire by a specific deadline. Despite little formal progress announced post-summit, both leaders claimed advancements had been made.

 

Putin described the Alaska summit as "very useful", focusing on addressing the root causes of the crisis. Russia’s Deputy Representative to the UN called the meeting a significant step towards peace, emphasizing continued dialogue as essential.

 

A coalition supporting Ukraine, including the UK, France, and Germany, plans talks prior to Zelensky’s visit to the US. European leaders are open to a trilateral summit, underscoring Ukraine’s sovereignty in territorial decisions. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer applauded Trump’s peace efforts, calling for Zelensky's participation in future discussions.

 

In Kyiv, there was discontent over the diplomatic proceedings in Alaska. Ukrainian veteran Serhii Orlyk criticised the red carpet treatment for Putin, deeming it disconnected from the ongoing conflict’s grim reality.

 

Meanwhile, European leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have said they stand ready to support further negotiations. They emphasise that decisions about Ukraine's territory should remain with Ukraine, warning against changing international borders by force.

 

As the geopolitical chess game continues, the world watches to see if these diplomatic maneuvers will bring an end to the conflict or simply serve as a prelude to further tension.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-08-17