Trump Says Call with Putin Yields No Progress on Ukraine Cease-Fire
- Trump reported no progress in Ukraine cease-fire talks during his call with Putin.
- The conversation covered various issues, including the contentious situation in Iran.
- Putin reiterated Russia’s commitment to its war aims in Ukraine, creating doubt about peace initiatives.
Trump’s Frustration with Cease-Fire Efforts in Ukraine
In what has turned out to be an unproductive exchange, President Trump and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia spoke on the phone Thursday morning, but no progress was made toward a cease-fire in Ukraine. The conversation lasted about an hour and was the sixth known discussion between the two leaders since Trump resumed his presidency in January. Reflecting on the call, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction, stating to reporters, “I didn’t make any progress with him at all;” his frustration evident as he admitted to feeling unhappy about the ongoing conflict.
Diplomatic Talks Extend Beyond Ukraine Conflict
During the call, both leaders discussed a variety of issues, with particular emphasis on Iran and the tense situation surrounding its nuclear program. Yuri Ushakov, a senior foreign policy aide in the Kremlin, noted that Russia advocates for a diplomatic resolution to Iran’s contentious matters, an assertion that follows Trump’s ordered bombing of Iranian nuclear sites earlier this summer. Additionally, there was a mutual agreement to maintain ongoing discussions through their respective ministries and aides.
Putin’s Stance on Ukraine: No Signs of Compromise
However, concerning Ukraine, Putin’s stance remains unchanged, which raises doubts among Western officials about his sincerity in pursuing genuine peace negotiations. Ushakov reported that Putin reiterated Russia’s determination to advance its objectives in the region while addressing what he termed the “root causes” of the conflict. Notably, this phrase often signals Russia’s insistence that Ukraine must concede territory and adopt a stance of military neutrality, steering clear of NATO or other alliances.
In summary, President Trump’s recent phone call with President Putin demonstrates ongoing challenges in negotiating a cease-fire in Ukraine. Trump’s expressed disappointment in the lack of progress highlights the complexity of the conflict, further complicated by discussions on Iran. The Kremlin’s insistence on achieving military objectives only adds to uncertainties surrounding a potential resolution.
