Reactions in Ukraine to the recent Trump-Putin call vary, with President Zelensky expressing hope for peace talks, while many fear Ukraine may appear weaker. Zelensky praised Trump’s engagement but faced discouraging news from US officials regarding NATO membership and territorial integrity. Political analysts warn that the coming months will be critical, with some criticizing the US for potentially compromising Ukraine’s position before negotiations.
Mixed Reactions in Ukraine Following Trump-Putin Call
The recent phone conversation between former President Trump and Russian leader Putin has stirred a variety of reactions within Ukraine. President Zelensky expressed appreciation for Trump’s desire to foster “true peace,” while many observers suggest that Ukraine may have emerged from the call in a weaker position.
Zelensky’s Optimism and Challenges Ahead
Initially, Trump spoke with Putin before reaching out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Both discussions focused on the pressing issue of ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. In a surprising turn of events, Putin expressed willingness to engage in peace negotiations, although the specifics of these talks remain uncertain.
Zelensky took to social media and later addressed the nation, sharing his optimistic outlook on the potential peace talks. Many soldiers on the frontlines are fatigued and share a hope that Trump might facilitate an end to the conflict.
During his conversation with Trump, Zelensky stated, “I had a good and detailed conversation with President Trump. I am grateful for his genuine interest in exploring how we can work towards achieving true peace together.” He highlighted the extensive nature of their discussion, which covered diplomatic, military, and economic aspects.
Moreover, Trump updated Zelensky on his dialogue with Putin, emphasizing the importance of keeping Putin in check. “President Trump informed me of Putin’s remarks, and we believe that America’s strength can help steer Russia towards peace in collaboration with us and our partners,” remarked Zelensky.
In a surprising move, Trump also scheduled a personal meeting with Putin, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Concerns Over NATO Membership and Future Negotiations
The United States government has shared perspectives that may be disheartening for many in Ukraine. During a recent meeting of the Ukraine contact group, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth indicated that NATO membership for Ukraine is unlikely to be part of the final negotiations. Additionally, the prospect of Ukraine retaining its pre-2014 borders was deemed unrealistic. Hegseth stated that any peace agreement would likely involve an international peacekeeping force, but without the deployment of US soldiers.
This stance contradicts previous Western assurances of unwavering support for Ukraine. Ukrainian presidential office spokesman Andriy Yermak reiterated the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, asserting that these points were central to their discussions. He expressed hope that following the security conference in Munich, a consistent effort towards these goals would commence.
Political analysts in Ukraine have responded with caution to the developments. Kyiv political scientist Vadym Denysenko has suggested that the upcoming months will be crucial in determining any progress. Meanwhile, political observer Ivan Yakovina criticized the US for undermining Ukraine’s position even before negotiations began, particularly by effectively sidelining Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. He described this situation as a “free advance gift” for Putin.