Trump and Putin Set to Decide Ukraine’s Fate in Crucial Call, Excluding Zelensky
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, former U.S. President Donald Trump has revealed that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a phone call to discuss the future of Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be part of these high-stakes talks. Trump has suggested that the two leaders will be "dividing up assets," with discussions focusing on "land" and "power plants." This development comes amid growing fears that Trump is being manipulated by Putin, who has been accused of stalling on a peace deal while his forces continue to seize territory in Ukraine.
Putin’s Strategy: Stalling for Time While ExpandingTerritorial Control
Putin, who launched the illegal invasion of Ukraine three years ago, has been accused of using delaying tactics to advance his military goals. While he claims to support a U.S.-brokered 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has accepted, his list of conditions effectively amounts to achieving all his war aims. Russia’s forces have continued to push forward, capturing more territory in eastern Ukraine and forcing a Ukrainian retreat from the Russian city of Kursk. Critics argue that Putin is presenting demands that are non-negotiable, such as Ukraine’s neutrality, its exclusion from NATO, and an end to Western arms supplies. Additionally, Putin has demanded the removal of President Zelensky, further escalating tensions.
Trump’s Remarks Raise Concerns About a Carve-Up of Ukraine
Trump’s comments have heightened fears that Ukraine’s fate is being decided without its leader’s involvement. By stating that he and Putin will discuss the division of assets, Trump has essentially confirmed Ukrainians’ worst fears of a carve-up of their country. This approach raises serious ethical and geopolitical concerns, as it appears to legitimize Putin’s aggressive actions and undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty. Critics argue that Trump’s willingness to engage in such discussions without involving Zelensky is a clear betrayal of Ukraine’s interests and a victory for Russian expansionism.
EU Warns of Putin’s Deceptive Peace Claims
E.U. foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has voiced skepticism about Putin’s commitment to peace, stating that Russia does not genuinely want a resolution to the conflict. Instead, Kallas argues that Putin is using the peace talks as a smokescreen to further his own objectives. By presenting demands that are effectively his ultimate war goals, Putin is making it impossible for a fair and lasting peace deal to be reached. This stance has been reinforced by Russia’s continued military advances, which suggest that Putin is more interested in expanding his territorial control than in negotiating a peaceful settlement.
Ukraine’s Plight: Fighting for Survival Amid International Power Plays
Meanwhile, Ukraine remains in a precarious position, fighting for its survival as international powers engage in behind-the-scenes negotiations. President Zelensky, a key figure in the conflict, has been excluded from the upcoming Trump-Putin call, further marginalizing Ukraine’s voice in determining its own future. This exclusion has been seen as a strategic move by both Trump and Putin to weaken Ukraine’s position and strengthen their own leverage in the talks. As Ukrainian forces continue to battle Russian troops on the ground, the international community is increasingly divided on how best to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable.
Implications of Trump’s Involvement and Putin’s Next Move
The implications of Trump’s involvement in these talks are profound. By engaging directly with Putin without involving Zelensky, Trump risks legitimizing Russia’s illegal invasion and undermining the international consensus on Ukraine’s right to self-determination. Putin, on the other hand, appears to be playing a calculated game, using the peace talks as a cover for his continued aggression. With the international community watching, the stakes are high. Putin must now either commit to a genuine peace process or face increased isolation and pressure from the global community. For Trump, this move raises questions about his judgment and whether he is being outmaneuvered by the Russian leader. As the situation unfolds, the world waits with bated breath to see how these developments will shape the future of Ukraine and the geopolitical landscape.
