The direct communication between Trump and Putin raised concerns about the extent of Ukraine’s involvement in any forthcoming negotiations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed his discussions with Trump on achieving “lasting and reliable peace.” But skepticism remains regarding the terms and feasibility of such an agreement.
One of the prickliest aspects of the proposed negotiations is the question of territorial concessions. Trump stated that Ukraine might not regain its pre-2014 borders. The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who suggested that Ukraine’s North Alliance Treaty Organisation (NATO) membership was implausible. Such statements point towards a possible compromise on Ukraine’s sovereignty, which could significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
On the other hand, European countries, such as, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have voiced their insistence on being part of any negotiations. These countries emphasize the necessity of security guarantees for Ukraine and are interested to coordinate efforts with the US.
Trump and Putin involvement reflects the broader European concern that any settlement should not encourage Russia or set a precedent for territorial aggression. Despite these diplomatic advances, fighting continues. Ukraine Air Force recently intercepted 85 out of 140 drones launched by Russia in the Odesa and Kharkiv regions. The conflict has led to massive casualties on both sides.
Moreover, millions of Ukrainians have been displaced. It has created one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. Besides, the on-going military operations underlines the difficulty of achieving an immediate ceasefire, particularly in the absence of mutual trust.
The failure to implement a full ceasefire in Gaza, despite international pressure, illustrates the challenges in enforcing peace agreements even after diplomatic interventions. Likewise, any peace deal in Ukraine must ensure long-term security assurances to prevent future escalations.
Trump-Putin dialogue opened the paths for negotiations and hopes to secure a peace deal that preserve Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. However, the most important thing is whether Russia will negotiate in good faith or if this is merely a strategic maneuver to consolidate its territorial gains.
Without clear frameworks for accountability and security assurances, any rushed diplomatic agreement risks reinforcing instability rather than resolving the crisis.
