Zelensky tells Trump: Putin's bluffing with peace talks
Volodymyr Zelensky informed Donald Trump during a Wednesday phone call that Putin is merely pretending to want to negotiate a peace deal because he is intimidated by him. This information comes from a portal citing people close to the Ukrainian president.
Wednesday's phone calls between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky have initiated diplomatic efforts aimed at pressuring for an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, as reported by the Axios portal.
It also notes that the American leader's actions have raised concerns among some NATO allies that Trump might pressure Zelensky into talks while rejecting some of his likely demands.
Meanwhile, details of one of these conversations had been leaked. Axios cites its sources in Kyiv and reveals what Zelensky supposedly told Trump.
According to these sources, while Trump told Zelensky that he had the impression that Putin wants an agreement, the Ukrainian president expressed a more skeptical view of his Russian counterpart's intentions, believing that Putin is simply telling Trump what he wants to hear.
Zelensky is reported to have told Trump that Putin seeks a deal out of fear, recognizing Trump's strength.
Trump reportedly acknowledged Zelensky’s point but stated that he had the impression Putin was serious about negotiations. He added that the situation would become clear soon.
"I need to talk to Putin in order to save Ukraine"
Sources reported that the phone call between Trump and Zelensky was positive and lasted about an hour, longer than the previous call between Trump and Putin.
Trump told Zelensky that he understands his concerns about talks with Putin but emphasized that there is no other choice if he wants his diplomatic efforts to succeed.
- "I need to talk to Putin in order to save Ukraine - Trump is reported to have said.
He also stressed that the upcoming meeting between Zelensky and Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Munich will be crucial for starting the diplomatic process.
According to one source, Trump ended the conversation by giving Zelensky his private number and saying that he could call him directly. In turn, Zelensky told Trump that he would give him a championship belt from Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk.
