As talks between American businessman Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin unfolded, former President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the negotiations. He told reporters in the U.S. that he believed the discussions were progressing well and hinted at potential agreements on tariffs and trade. Trump emphasized that his goal was to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he noted was resulting in thousands of casualties weekly.
Despite Trump’s hopeful outlook, the situation remains tense. Ukraine and Russia appear to be far apart in their positions, with no Ukrainian representatives included in the Moscow talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia for rejecting a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. He urged allies to increase pressure on Russia, stating that without such pressure, a resolution would be impossible.
Zelensky pointed out that Russia has continued to receive missile supplies from countries like North Korea, which he claimed were used in a recent missile strike on Kyiv that resulted in twelve deaths. He highlighted that many components of the missile used in the attack were sourced from U.S. companies, raising concerns about international arms trade.
In response to the violence, Trump stated he was applying pressure on both sides to find a resolution. He even addressed Putin directly on social media, urging him to "stop" the aggression. However, Trump later attributed the war’s onset to Ukraine’s discussions about joining NATO, suggesting that this was a provocation.
The ongoing conflict has created a complex situation where diplomatic efforts are crucial, yet the lack of direct involvement from Ukraine in peace talks raises questions about the effectiveness of these negotiations. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.