Donald Trump demands Zelenskyy’s “immediate” acceptance of Putin’s meeting invitation
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a 30-day ceasefire to continue peace talks, following a request from Russian President Vladimir Putin for a direct meeting on May 15.
The war waged between Ukraine and Russia has continued for more than three years. While there have been some limited diplomatic negotiations, none have stopped the ongoing attacks from both sides. Recently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy again asked for a 30-day ceasefire to continue any talks after Vladimir Putin requested a direct meeting on May 15. In response to the war, former U.S. President Donald Trump jumped into the fray with a post on his Truth Social platform.
“President Putin of Russia doesn't want a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine, but rather to meet on Thursday in Turkey to discuss a potential agreement to stop the bloodshed. Ukraine should ACCEPT THIS IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote. He also questioned whether there would even be an agreement between the two.
“I am starting to doubt that Ukraine is going to have an agreement with President Putin, who is too busy celebrating (not entirely) the victory of World War II that could not have been won (maybe even close!) without the USA! GET FOCUSED NOW!!!” Trump explained.
Trump urges immediate meeting between Russia and Ukraine
Trump stated that the first priority for the meeting between Russia and Ukraine would be to decide if an agreement could be reached. He went on to say that, if they weren't able to come to any arrangement, the United States and European countries would know what to expect and would be able to “act accordingly.”
Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, Trump has maintained that the only way to avoid escalation is for the two presidents of Russia and Ukraine to speak directly to one another. His call comes as European powers and Zelenskyy insist on a ceasefire as a prerequisite for any talks or negotiations.
Putin has proposed direct negotiations
Putin, from the Kremlin, officially confirmed his proposal about negotiating without conditions. The Russian leader said the focus of the discussions should be on removing the root of the conflict from its roots for the purpose of obtaining lasting peace — not so much for a ceasefire to rearm. Turkey was chosen as the venue for the meeting, with mediation from President Tayyip Erdoğan.
In recent comments, the Russian president also referred to how his administration had proposed partial ceasefires before like stopping the attacks on energy infrastructure, a pause for Easter, and a 72-hour ceasefire in early May.
He said, the negotiations were called off in 2022 by the Ukrainian side. He also praised mediation attempts from countries like China, Brazil, and several countries in Africa, and the United States.
Challenges to peace
Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine will negotiate only if Russia agrees to implement a complete ceasefire beginning May 12. “There is no reason for the killing to go on for even one more day,” he said on social media.
The demands Russia is making are believed to be unacceptable to Ukraine and its western allies. Russia demands the total withdrawal of Ukraine from four regions, a renunciation of NATO membership, and acceptance of permanent neutrality with guarantees from other states.
Emmanuel Macron said the Russian offer was “a first step,” but inadequate. He also said Putin may be “buying time”. The European leaders warned of a new wave of economic sanctions if Russia did not comply, and there was a call for a strictly observed 30-day cease fire with no conditions.
