In tight-lipped negotiations, the Kremlin prepares for President Putin's call with President Trump, raising hopes for a U.S.-backed cease-fire in Ukraine, despite the complexities surrounding the war.
Kremlin Keeps Agenda Under Wrap for Upcoming Putin-Trump Call
Kremlin Keeps Agenda Under Wrap for Upcoming Putin-Trump Call
Leaders prepare for critical discussion amidst ongoing Ukraine conflict with unclear agenda.
The Kremlin has announced that preparations are ongoing for an anticipated phone call on Tuesday between President Vladimir V. Putin and President Donald Trump, but details about the agenda remain undisclosed. This will be their first known conversation since Putin defined specific conditions for a cease-fire in Ukraine, potentially complicating the possibility of a truce.
While U.S. officials express optimism that the call may foster a cease-fire deal in Ukraine, President Trump hinted at discussing territorial issues and the condition of Ukrainian power plants. The tone from Trump’s administration suggests a proactive approach to finding resolution, underscoring, “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov would not confirm topics for discussion, citing the confidential nature of the conversations between the two leaders. The upcoming dialogue takes place amidst intense diplomatic engagement; Ukraine's willingness to support a U.S.-backed cease-fire hinges on a reciprocal commitment from Russia, marking a significant development in the conflict that has persisted for over three years.
Last week, Putin praised the proposal for a 30-day cease-fire as “the right one”, but he simultaneously indicated that substantial discussions, possibly involving other U.S. figures, were necessary to address unclear matters. Meetings between Putin and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, have indicated narrowing differences between the parties, yet specifics remain private, maintaining a level of uncertainty.
The recent military maneuvering in the Kursk region has further impacted negotiations. Russian advances in this area have significantly weakened Ukraine's bargaining position, raising questions about the dynamics of potential concessions as the two leaders prepare for their conversation.
As global attention turns to this key phone call, both nations appear strategically poised to capitalize on the evolving landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict, potentially reshaping the course of bilateral relations and peace efforts.
Tyler Pager contributed to this report. Ivan Nechepurenko covers Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and surrounding regions and is based in Moscow.
While U.S. officials express optimism that the call may foster a cease-fire deal in Ukraine, President Trump hinted at discussing territorial issues and the condition of Ukrainian power plants. The tone from Trump’s administration suggests a proactive approach to finding resolution, underscoring, “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri S. Peskov would not confirm topics for discussion, citing the confidential nature of the conversations between the two leaders. The upcoming dialogue takes place amidst intense diplomatic engagement; Ukraine's willingness to support a U.S.-backed cease-fire hinges on a reciprocal commitment from Russia, marking a significant development in the conflict that has persisted for over three years.
Last week, Putin praised the proposal for a 30-day cease-fire as “the right one”, but he simultaneously indicated that substantial discussions, possibly involving other U.S. figures, were necessary to address unclear matters. Meetings between Putin and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, have indicated narrowing differences between the parties, yet specifics remain private, maintaining a level of uncertainty.
The recent military maneuvering in the Kursk region has further impacted negotiations. Russian advances in this area have significantly weakened Ukraine's bargaining position, raising questions about the dynamics of potential concessions as the two leaders prepare for their conversation.
As global attention turns to this key phone call, both nations appear strategically poised to capitalize on the evolving landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict, potentially reshaping the course of bilateral relations and peace efforts.
Tyler Pager contributed to this report. Ivan Nechepurenko covers Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and surrounding regions and is based in Moscow.
