Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine end quickly as President Trump offers to step in
The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the war began ended in less than two hours, with President Trump expressing his willingness to intervene after Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the meeting.
The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the war began ended in less than two hours, with President Trump expressing his willingness to intervene after Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the meeting.
The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the war began ended in less than two hours, with President Trump expressing his willingness to intervene after Russian President Vladimir Putin skipped the meeting.
The first direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine since the war began ended in less than two hours, with Ukraine accusing Moscow of making "unacceptable demands."
President Donald Trump signaled his intention to personally intervene after Russian President Vladimir Putin opted not to attend the meeting.
"I think it's time for us to just do it," Trump said. "I said, you know, they all said Putin was going and Zelenskyy was going. And I said, If I don't go, I guarantee Putin is not going, and he didn't go. I understand that 鈥� but we're going to get it 鈥� we're going to get it done."
Trump added that he would meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "as soon as we can set it up," expressing his willingness to leave immediately, though he mentioned wanting to see his grandson first.
Following the meeting, Trump joined a phone call with Zelenskyy and European leaders. Zelenskyy posted a photo on social media, stating that Ukraine is ready to take fast steps toward peace. He emphasized that if Russia rejects a ceasefire, tough sanctions must follow, and pressure must continue.
During the negotiations, Ukraine accused Russia of presenting new, "unacceptable demands" to withdraw forces from large swaths of territory. Russia's delegation stated that both sides agreed to exchange detailed ceasefire proposals and noted that Ukraine requested a meeting between their heads of state. Both sides agreed to release 1,000 prisoners of war each.
The Kremlin acknowledged that a top-level summit between Trump and Putin is "certainly needed," but warned it would take time to arrange.
European leaders, including those from France, Germany, and the UK, were on a call with Zelenskyy after the negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed frustration, saying it was "unacceptable that, for a second time, Russia hasn't responded to the demands made by the Americans, supported by Ukraine and the Europeans. No ceasefire, and therefore no meeting at a decision-making level. And no response."
Trump mentioned his grandson, as his daughter Tiffany recently gave birth to a son on Thursday.