The call between Trump and Putin followed weeks of negotiations between US, Russian and Ukrainian officials aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
While both the US and Russia expressed a desire to de-escalate the conflict, official summaries of the call's content differed significantly, particularly on the scope of the ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Mikhail Metzel
Mr. Putin agreed to a partial ceasefire, instead of a comprehensive ceasefire as desired by the US and Ukraine. However, Moscow set many conditions, including: Ukraine must not rearm; the US must completely cut off military and intelligence aid to Ukraine.
In addition, Russia also made other demands, including: Ukraine must abandon its efforts to join NATO; protect the Russian language and culture, and ensure that Ukraine remains within Moscow's sphere of influence.
At a press conference following the Trump-Putin call, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism, but also acknowledged that "if there is a ceasefire, even a partial one, that would be a positive outcome."
However, he stressed that Ukraine needs to be fully informed about the content of the negotiations and raised an important question: "We need to understand what the talks are about. What are the specific agreements? Hopefully, we will be fully informed and our partners will discuss everything with us."
He also affirmed: "This war has two sides, Russia and Ukraine. Negotiations without Ukraine, in my opinion, will not bring results."
This is the first phone call between Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin since Ukraine agreed to a temporary 30-day ceasefire with Russia last week.
President Donald Trump wrote on the Truth Social platform after the call with Mr. Putin: "My conversation today with President Putin was very good and productive. We agreed to immediately stop attacks on energy facilities and infrastructure. We are also working quickly to achieve a full ceasefire and FINALLY END the terrible war between Russia and Ukraine."
Cao Phong (according to Newsweek, CNN, AJ)
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