Russian-Ukrainian War in the Cold War: Vladimir Putin’s ultimatum after a Russian president’s visit to Ukraine
On Sunday, ahead of the call, Trump told reporters that negotiations have progressed so far that he and Putin would be discussing “dividing up certain assets,” including land and power plants.
The Kremlin said in a statement that Moscow wants a long-term settlement, but said Putin insisted on an end to foreign intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine.
“There are regions that we all know the Russians are focused on,” Witkoff said. A nuclear reactor in Ukraine gives it a bit of electricity. That will have to be dealt with. There’s access to ports. There’s a potential agreement with the Black Sea. There’s just so many elements.”
Elsewhere there were signs of detente. Following the call, Moscow authorities began taking down an installation supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine that have stood in front of the American embassy in Moscow since 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke with President Trump on Wednesday, following Trump’s call on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite Putin’s agreement to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Russian forces launched drone and missile strikes overnight, targeting energy facilities and transport infrastructure. Two hospitals were damaged.
Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia’s commitment to the ceasefire and emphasized the need for continued international support for Ukraine. He stated that pressure on Russia is essential for achieving peace and cautioned against making concessions, particularly regarding Western aid to Ukraine.
There are only two options to respond to the proposal of the president: yes or no, according to Alexander Stubb.
What Putin wants is “no military aid to Ukraine” and why it is impossible to achieve it without military aid”? Comment on Boris Pistorius
Boris Pistorius said in an interview with German public television that there have been attacks on civilian infrastructure after the phone call between Putin and Trump.
“What Russia wants is that Ukraine will let all the guards down,” Kallas said on Euronews television. They are free to continue if they achieve the “no military aid to Ukraine” goal. Clearly, this can’t work.