Trump-Putin talks falter, leaving Ukraine peace adrift

• The conversation between Trump and Putin did not lead to a breakthrough on peace in Ukraine.
• Trump hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the peace process.
• The reactions from Ukraine and Russia to the conversation were significantly different.

The latest conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to deliver the anticipated breakthrough on ending the war in Ukraine. According to CNN, this meeting simply highlighted the differences between the parties and demonstrated how distant peace remains.

Donald Trump, after his discussion with Putin, stated that Ukraine and Russia should reach agreement on ceasefire terms independently. The US President stressed that if no agreement is achieved, he would withdraw from the peace process. This is a typical strategy, but considering the US's scepticism towards aiding Ukraine, it might be realised.

Russia appears satisfied with the conversation, whereas Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky diplomatically "disagrees with Trump’s position." Ukraine's leader is attempting to avoid new tensions with the US, which underscores how fragile the situation is.

Vladimir Putin, following his conversation with Donald Trump, reiterated his maximalist demands, which include, among other things, the demilitarisation of Ukraine and its "denazification." As CNN notes, Putin desires peace but on terms unacceptable to Ukraine as a sovereign state.

Sure, Putin wants peace, but only on terms that it would be impossible for Ukraine to accept while remaining an independent nation - CNN concludes.

The current situation indicates that peace in Ukraine remains distant. The discussions between Trump and Putin did not yield the anticipated results, and the differences between the parties persist.