Trump's optimism surprises Europe as Putin agrees to talks
The Axios portal, citing its sources, reports on the conversation between Donald Trump and European leaders, during which he informed them of his discussions with Vladimir Putin. The European leaders were reportedly surprised by the US president's optimism.
What do you need to know?
- During a phone call with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump suggested that the Russian leader present a proposal that Ukraine and Europe could accept.
- Vladimir Putin agreed to begin direct negotiations on a ceasefire, which surprised European leaders.
- Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised that previous talks with Putin had produced no results.
According to Axios, during a phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky and other European leaders, Donald Trump informed them that he asked Vladimir Putin to offer them in negotiations "something they could agree to".
According to a source cited by the portal, the U.S. president later stated that Putin had consented to begin direct ceasefire talks without delay. The remark was reportedly met with a few moments of unexpected silence. The president also mentioned that Putin intended to propose a "peace memorandum" outlining terms to resolve the conflict, adding that it would be something Ukraine and European partners could accept.
Negotiations on Ukraine
A source claims that Volodymyr Zelensky reminded them that previous talks with Putin, including those from last week, yielded no results. He emphasised that without pressure from Trump, Russia will not relent.
European leaders who participated in the conversation were reportedly surprised by Trump's optimism. Even though the Russian leader had not changed his position, Trump insisted that the situation was improving.
Trump's talk with Putin
Donald Trump publicly stated that his conversation with Vladimir Putin went very well, and according to it, Russia and Ukraine will immediately begin negotiations on a ceasefire. He noted, however, that the conditions will be negotiated between the two sides.
In turn, the Russian dictator described the talk with Trump as "frank and substantive." He emphasised that the issues of a ceasefire and the terms of conflict resolution could be included in the memorandum between Russia and Ukraine.
