Zelenskyy and Trump are talking after a phone call
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. ambassador in Ukraine, and a call for the end of the Cold War on Ukraine, a joint statement by the Trump administration and the Kremlin
In advance of the call, the Trump administration special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow last week to speak with Putin. Witkoff told CBS News Sunday that he met with Putin for three or four hours, and described the meeting as positive and constructive. He said he sees good signs that there will be a peace agreement in the future.
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 some regions that the Russians are focused on. The country of Ukraine uses a nuclear reactor for a small amount of electricity. That has to be dealt with. There’s access to ports. There’s an agreement in the Black Sea. There’s just so many elements.”
There were signs of detente elsewhere as well. 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.
The Ukrainian President spoke with the US President after Trump spoke with his Russian counterpart.
Russian forces launched missiles and drones at energy facilities and transportation infrastructure overnight despite Putin’s promise to stop the attacks. There were two hospitals that were hit.
Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia’s commitment to the ceasefire and emphasized the need for continued international support for Ukraine. He cautioned against making concessions regarding aid to Ukraine and stated that pressure was essential for achieving peace.
“There are only two ways to respond to the proposal of the president of the United States: yes or no… but no conditions,” Finnish President Alexander Stubb said at a press conference with Zelenskyy.
Do Ukrainian civilians have the right to remain home if they are allowed to remain in the country despite the Putin-Trump phone call?
Boris Pistorius said in an interview with Germany’s public television that there have been attacks on civilian infrastructure after the phone call between Putin and Trump.
Kallas said on Euronews that Russia wanted Ukraine to let the guards down. If they get a no military aid to Ukrainians, that’s when they are free to continue. So I mean, clearly this can’t work.”