Trump Discusses Ceasefire with Putin and Zelensky, Plans Upcoming Negotiations
In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to bring an end to the ongoing war. According to sources, Trump and Putin had an extensive 90-minute phone conversation, where they agreed to meet in Saudi Arabia to further negotiations. Trump emphasized the necessity of new elections in Ukraine, a stance that could alter the political landscape of the war-torn nation.
U.S. Withdraws Support for Ukraine’s NATO Membership
Amid these discussions, the Trump administration has delivered a major setback to Ukraine. During a NATO meeting in Belgium, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear that America will no longer provide Ukraine with substantial military and financial assistance. Furthermore, Hegseth stated that Trump does not support Ukraine’s inclusion in NATO, citing that returning to pre-2014 borders is now an unattainable goal. The U.S. has also ruled out deploying troops to Ukraine, reinforcing its stance on limiting involvement in the conflict.
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Putin Invites Trump to Moscow as Peace Talks Gain Momentum
Kremlin sources have confirmed that Putin extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow, further signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Trump, in response, has directed key officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz—to lead the discussions.
Trump : Zelensky Open to Land Swaps to Secure Peace
In a surprising revelation, President Zelensky expressed willingness to negotiate territorial exchanges with Russia to facilitate a ceasefire. In an interview with The Guardian, Zelensky acknowledged that without U.S. aid, Ukraine cannot sustain its military efforts. He also admitted that European allies alone cannot guarantee Ukraine’s security. While he remains vague about which regions Ukraine would negotiate over, he emphasized that every part of Ukrainian territory is valuable.
Ukraine’s Strategic Land Occupation in Russia
Since August 2024, Ukraine has maintained control over 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory in Kursk. Despite Russian counteroffensives reclaiming nearly half of this land, Ukraine still holds a significant portion, which Zelensky suggests could be leveraged in peace negotiations. This strategic occupation could serve as a bargaining chip in future discussions with Moscow.
Three Years of War: Russia’s Latest Territorial Gains
As the war nears its third anniversary on February 24, Russia has recently claimed control over the Ukrainian city of Zherzhysk. The prolonged conflict continues to shift territorial control, making diplomatic efforts even more crucial for both sides.
Trump’s inauguration has reignited discussions about a possible resolution to the war. During his campaign, he promised to halt the conflict within 24 hours of taking office. While this ambitious goal has not yet been realized, his administration’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, has set a timeline of 100 days to achieve peace.
U.S. Vice President to Meet Zelensky at Munich Security Conference
As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is scheduled to meet Zelensky at the Munich Security Conference on February 14. Vance, a known critic of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, is expected to push for negotiations that could de-escalate the war.
Security Guarantees: Zelensky’s Prerequisite for Peace
While Trump is pushing for a swift end to the war, Zelensky insists on receiving strong security assurances before agreeing to any settlement. He fears that without such guarantees, Russia may regroup and launch future offensives. Zelensky has proposed either NATO membership for Ukraine or the deployment of international peacekeeping forces along the border.
Ukraine Offers Business Incentives to U.S. Companies
In an effort to attract investment, Zelensky has also extended lucrative offers to American businesses willing to aid in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. He highlighted Ukraine’s vast mineral reserves, emphasizing that keeping these resources out of Russian control aligns with U.S. strategic interests. By encouraging American investments, Zelensky aims to create job opportunities while ensuring long-term economic stability for Ukraine.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Russia-Ukraine Relations
The evolving negotiations led by Trump could mark a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Putin’s openness to discussions, Zelensky’s strategic compromises, and the U.S. reshaping its stance, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can finally bring an end to the war.
