Ukraine Conflict: Putin and Trump to Discuss Ceasefire on Tuesday
Russian President Vladimir Putin and US counterpart Donald Trump are set to speak by phone on Tuesday, as one US official expressed hope that the two could agree on a Ukraine ceasefire within weeks. Trump has acknowledged that "a lot of work" has been done between the United States and Russia on settling the three-year Ukraine conflict, and that there is a "very good chance" hostilities will end. However, Putin has expressed reservations, stating that he has "serious questions" about how the ceasefire would be implemented and wants to discuss the issue with Trump.
Agreement on Ceasefire
Kyiv has agreed to the ceasefire, while its European allies have criticized Putin for not committing to an unconditional and immediate halt in fighting, with the UK accusing the Russian leader of "dragging his feet". Russia occupies swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine, and the conflict has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
Preparations for Tuesday’s Call
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that a conversation between the two leaders is being prepared for Tuesday, but did not comment on what the two leaders would discuss. Trump has stated that the two would discuss "land" and power plants, an apparent reference to the Moscow-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in south Ukraine.
Russia’s Demands
Putin has made several demands in order to agree to a ceasefire, including that Ukraine never join the NATO military alliance, that European peacekeepers not be deployed on Ukrainian territory, and that Moscow be allowed to keep all the land it currently occupies. Zelensky has pushed back at these demands, saying that the Russian leader does not really want peace.
Russia’s Military Advances
Russia has been making gains on the battlefield, with Moscow claiming to have captured several key areas, including the village of Stepove in Ukraine’s southern Zaporizhzhia region. However, open-source battlefield maps show that this village is outside of Moscow’s control. Russia has also mounted a major counter-offensive against Ukrainian troops in its Kursk region.
Civilians Affected
Andrey Klimenko, a 52-year-old man, has spoken out about the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. He fled his home in the village of Zamostye outside Sudzha, and is now staying in a displacement centre. "Planes were dropping bombs near my vegetable patch. I nearly died because of bombs, mortar fire and drones," he said.
Conclusion
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to rage on, the world waits with bated breath for the outcome of the Trump-Putin call on Tuesday. Will the two leaders be able to agree on a ceasefire, or will the conflict continue to drag on? Only time will tell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in Ukraine?
A: The conflict in Ukraine continues, with both sides exchanging fire and Russia occupying swathes of southern and eastern Ukraine.
Q: What are Putin’s demands for a ceasefire?
A: Putin has demanded that Ukraine never join the NATO military alliance, that European peacekeepers not be deployed on Ukrainian territory, and that Moscow be allowed to keep all the land it currently occupies.
Q: What is the current situation on the battlefield?
A: Russia has been making gains, with Moscow claiming to have captured several key areas, but open-source battlefield maps show that some areas are outside of Moscow’s control.
Q: How have civilians been affected by the conflict?
A: Many civilians have been displaced, with reports of widespread destruction and loss of life.