According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he plans to hold a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to discuss potential ways to end the war in Ukraine. He made this statement during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday evening, in a video published by The Associated Press.
Attempting a Peaceful Resolution: Chances and Obstacles
“We want to see if we can bring this war to an end,” Trump stated. “Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but in my opinion, we have a very good chance.” He mentioned that significant preparatory work had been done over the weekend, and the upcoming conversation with Putin would include discussions on the conditions for ending the conflict, which has now entered its fourth year.
In recent weeks, negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials regarding Ukraine have intensified, particularly after Washington reached an agreement with Kyiv on a 30-day ceasefire. However, Moscow has so far refused to accept this proposal, insisting on broader negotiations aimed at a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Key Discussion Points: Territory and Infrastructure
When asked by reporters what concessions Russia might consider in a potential peace deal, Trump responded:
“We will talk about land. We will talk about power plants.”
He also noted that a significant portion of the terms had already been discussed by both Ukrainian and Russian representatives:
“We are already negotiating on this—on the division of certain assets.”
Military Situation: Who Controls the Battlefield?
Russia has recently strengthened its position on the battlefield and has effectively pushed Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, which Kyiv had seized in August last year in an attempt to gain leverage over Moscow during peace talks.
The Kremlin has repeatedly emphasized that a temporary ceasefire is not a viable option, insisting instead on a long-term agreement. Furthermore, Russia demands to retain control over at least 18% of Ukraine’s territory—an area roughly the size of the U.S. state of Virginia.
Beyond territorial disputes, Moscow is also pushing for changes in Ukraine’s domestic policies regarding the Russian language and culture, as well as legal guarantees preventing Ukraine from joining NATO.
A Chance for Peace or Continued Conflict?
While the upcoming talks between Trump and Putin could be a significant step toward resolving the conflict, the key question remains: are both sides willing to compromise? So far, Moscow and Kyiv’s positions remain far apart, and the success of Trump’s initiative will depend not only on his negotiating skills but also on the willingness of both the Kremlin and the West to accept potential terms for a resolution.
Whether the meeting will lead to tangible results or turn out to be just another diplomatic gesture—only time will tell.
This article was prepared based on materials published by The Wall Street Journal. The author does not claim authorship of the original text but presents their interpretation of the content for informational purposes.
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