Axios: Trump does not want a temporary cease-fire, but a long-term truce
After the conversation with Putin, Trump diametrically changed his approach to resolving the conflict, Axios writes. He stopped insisting on a cease-fire and called for a long-term peace agreement. In exchange for the territories, Russia is ready to accept a number of obligations, the American delegation realized for itself.
Barak Ravid
After Friday's summit with Russian President Putin in Alaska, President Trump will meet with Zelensky at the White House, and the upcoming meeting may not be easy.
Why it's important. Trump's position, announced after the meeting, that he no longer supports the cease—fire and believes that “Zelensky should make peace on his own,” seems extremely unfavorable for Ukraine.
The driving factor. Zelensky and Trump announced the upcoming meeting after a telephone conversation between the presidents of the United States and Ukraine and a number of NATO leaders, during which the American leader informed them about the results of his meeting with Putin. The conversation lasted more than an hour and a half and was “difficult,” an informed source said.
The meeting will take place six months after their February clash in the Oval Office.
Behind the scenes. Trump called Zelensky from Air Force One on his way from Alaska to Washington. The conversation was conducted in the presence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Special Representative Steve Witkoff, who were also present at the meeting between Trump and Putin.
They talked with Zelensky for an hour, and then the leaders of Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, NATO and the European Commission joined the conversation for another half hour.
According to the source, Trump informed Zelensky and NATO leaders that Putin did not want a cease-fire and preferred a comprehensive peace agreement. “Trump stated during the conversation that he considers an early peace agreement preferable to a cease—fire,” the source said.
Between the lines. This is the exact opposite of the approach that Trump initially followed. Zelensky strongly insists that a cease-fire must precede the start of peace talks.
Trump also informed Zelensky that Putin had informed him of Russia's significant successes on the front line and that, if he wished, he could capture the entire DPR and other areas where fighting had unfolded. According to the source, Zelensky retorted that Putin was distorting the situation.
During the conversation, Witkoff informed Zelensky and the NATO leaders about how Putin sees the territorial issue and what he is ready to offer in return.
“It seems that in exchange for the territory, Putin is ready to stop fighting and commit himself not to try to occupy new regions of Ukraine and not attack other countries,” the source said.
After the summit, Trump told Fox News that he and Putin had come to an agreement on most issues, although not all, but further success “will depend on Zelensky.”
What do they say? “Ukraine has confirmed its readiness to make every effort to achieve peace. It is important that America's strength influences the further development of the situation. We support President Trump's proposal for a trilateral meeting between Ukraine, the United States and Russia,” Zelensky said after a telephone conversation.
He added that he would use the meeting with Trump on Monday to discuss “all the details of how to stop the bloodshed and stop the fighting.”
“It is important that Europeans participate at every stage to ensure reliable security guarantees together with America. We also discussed positive signals from the American side about the US role in Ukraine's security,” Zelensky said.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social account on Saturday morning that his meeting with Putin was “very fruitful,” as was his late-night phone conversation with Zelensky and European leaders.
“Everyone has come to the conclusion that the best way to end the horrific conflict between Russia and Ukraine is to move directly to a peace agreement that ends it, instead of a cease—fire agreement that is often not implemented,” Trump said.
What's next? Trump wrote that “if everything works out,” he will soon hold a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelensky. “This could save millions of lives,” he stressed.
