Trump and Putin in conversation: A first step towards peace?

Trump and Putin in conversation: A first step towards peace?

A crucial phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin caused a stir on Monday. The Kremlin announced that Putin agreed to a proposed US proposal to suspend attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days if Ukraine did the same. This came to light after the nearly two-hour conversation between the two presidents, during which Trump described the conversation as “great.” He said the two discussed many issues, including a possible peace process, but details remain vague. Loud ZDF Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov has already said that the statement that thousands of Ukrainian soldiers are surrounded is incorrect.

Trump also demanded that the West stop supplying Ukraine with weapons and intelligence information, which is seen as a challenge to Western military aid. A possible ceasefire was described by Trump as a “first step toward peace.” Putin also announced that an exchange of 175 prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine would take place on Wednesday, while 23 seriously injured Ukrainian soldiers would be sent home as a goodwill gesture. However, their financial and military terms remained unclear as the Kremlin has set high demands for a final resolution to the conflict, including Ukraine refraining from joining NATO, reported vienna.at.

While talks are set to continue in the Middle East, the situation on the front remains tense. Even if an immediate ceasefire for the energy infrastructure is in prospect, there is and remains great skepticism as to whether this can lead to lasting peace. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed caution and emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.