President Trump and President Putin spoke on the phone to discuss a cease-fire in Ukraine, with Trump mentioning topics such as power plants and “dividing up” Ukrainian assets. This was the first known conversation between the two leaders since Ukraine agreed to support a U.S.-backed monthlong cease-fire. Trump expressed his desire to broker a truce quickly, while Putin seemed to be seeking more concessions. Putin projected confidence in a speech to Russian businesspeople before the call, stating that Western businesses wanting to return to Russia would face regulatory scrutiny.
The United States and Ukraine have agreed to develop Ukraine’s critical mineral resources as part of the cease-fire proposal. However, Putin has not yet agreed to halt the war that Russia began more than three years ago. He has supported the idea of a cease-fire but laid out conditions that could delay or derail any truce. Putin wants a peace deal that addresses the “original causes” of the war, including demands that Ukraine stop mobilizing new soldiers and reduce NATO presence in Central and Eastern Europe. Talks between Putin and Trump’s special envoy have narrowed differences but tension remains.
Topics on the agenda for the call between Trump and Putin included territorial issues, the fate of Ukrainian power plants, and potentially dividing certain assets. Trump expressed a desire to end the war and mentioned discussions about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is controlled by Russia but is in poor condition. Mr. Zelensky of Ukraine accused Putin of stalling to advance on the battlefield and strengthen his position in cease-fire talks. Russian advances in the Kursk region have deprived Ukraine of a bargaining chip and given Russia momentum.
The U.S.-Ukraine relationship has faced strain, with Trump initially seeming to align foreign policy in Russia’s favor before realigning later on. Concerns arose in Ukraine about potential tapering of U.S. military assistance, leading to tension between Trump, JD Vance, and Zelensky in the Oval Office. Ukraine has since sought to repair relations with the Trump administration, with discussions of concessions and guarantees in peace talks with Russia. Rubio has indicated that Ukraine may need to make concessions over land taken by Russia since 2014, and security guarantees have been requested but not yet provided.
European allies, including Britain and France, have pledged support for Ukraine and peacekeeping efforts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain plans to continue pressing for American security guarantees, a goal shared with President Macron of France. Both countries have committed troops to a peacekeeping force and are working to enlist other European nations to do the same. The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with potential for further conflict as negotiations continue between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
