For about 30 hours, the world witnessed a rare display of transatlantic unity over Ukraine, with Europe and Ukraine demanding a deal on a 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by the Trump administration two months earlier. European leaders claimed US President Donald Trump had personally backed their plan, including threats of sanctions if Russia declined to sign up by Monday, during a Saturday phone call. Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, even joined US allies in demanding Russia adhere to the ceasefire demand.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response upended the unity. Putin refused to mention the demand and instead proposed direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul, four days later. Trump swiftly leapt on the Kremlin proposal, stating, “President Putin of Russia has made it clear he doesn’t want a ceasefire.” Trump then pressured Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to “HAVE THE MEETING, NOW!!!”.
Zelensky showed personal commitment and valor, offering to make the meeting a face-to-face with Putin, despite the tough domestic implications. European leaders, however, fell silent as Trump’s stance became clear. Ukraine’s skies remained active, with Russia launching 108 drones, carrying out strikes that trapped a 10-year-old girl under rubble in the Kherson region.
The significance of the Kyiv declaration lay in proving to the White House that Putin wasn’t interested in peace or the specific ceasefire proposal. Trump’s reaction also gave European leaders insight into his real position. Putin has been emboldened, ignoring the European and Ukrainian demand, facing no “massive sanctions,” and seeing his proposal for direct talks become the foundation of Trump’s position.
The meeting in Istanbul, if it happens, will be a perilous step, given the palpable animosity between Putin and Zelensky. The US being too deeply involved could backfire on their relationships. The simplest conclusion is that Trump fails to see Putin’s attempts to buy time, as the Kremlin’s forces reinforce along the front line near Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.
Key Developments:
- Ceasefire Proposal: Europe and Ukraine demanded a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, backed by Trump, with threats of sanctions if Russia declined.
- Putin’s Response: Putin proposed direct Russia-Ukraine talks in Istanbul, ignoring the ceasefire demand.
- Trump’s Shift: Trump pressured Zelensky to meet Putin, stating Putin didn’t want a ceasefire.
- Potential Meeting: The Istanbul meeting may not bring peace or a ceasefire, and could set the peace process back.
- European Unity: European leaders fell silent as Trump’s stance became clear, exposing disunity in their threats against Russia.