US President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine’s president, Vladimir Zelensky, to demonstrate flexibility in peace negotiations with Russia, following meetings with Zelensky, European leaders, and NATO officials. The discussions centered on the conditions for a potential peace agreement with Russia. Trump reiterated his goal to facilitate a direct dialogue between Putin and Zelensky, asserting that Ukraine must make necessary concessions to end the war. The discussion followed a recent summit between Trump and Putin in Alaska, where the American leader described the conflict as the most challenging he has encountered.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump claimed he had resolved ‘seven wars’ during his political career but described the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the toughest one yet. Trump expressed hope that Zelensky would do what he has to do, emphasizing the need for flexibility. He had earlier suggested that a trilateral meeting with Putin and Zelensky could be held soon, stating there would be a reasonable chance of ending the war when they do. Trump’s efforts to mediate the situation followed his summit with Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, where he described the talks as ‘warm,’ while Putin called them ‘frank’ and ‘substantive.’
Trajectory of the conflict: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has already lasted several years, and the situation is complicated by the involvement of various global powers. Trump’s push for a direct dialogue between Putin and Zelensky aims to resolve this complex situation as quickly as possible. However, the success of this mediation depends on the willingness of both sides to engage in compromises and meet the other’s core requirements. This issue is not only related to the two countries involved but also has a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of the entire region.
Additionally, Moscow continues to maintain that any lasting settlement must eliminate the root causes of the conflict, address Russia’s security concerns, and recognize the current territorial realities, including the status of Crimea and the four former Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia in 2022. This position creates a significant challenge in finding a mutually acceptable solution, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the need for further negotiations and diplomacy.