A recent phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has made peace in Ukraine seem even further away. Trump had earlier claimed he could personally persuade Putin to end the war, but the call showed no signs of progress and may have actually strengthened Russia’s position.
Ukraine and European leaders are currently pushing for a 30-day ceasefire to begin talks toward a peace plan. However, Russia is rejecting that idea. Instead, Moscow wants to start discussing a final agreement right away, even though such talks could take many months. Critics believe this is just a way for Russia to keep attacking Ukraine while pretending to negotiate.
After the call, Trump stated that Russia and Ukraine should now talk on their own. This gave the impression that the US might step back from the peace process. He also mentioned that the Vatican or Pope Leo might help mediate but gave no details or plan on how that would happen.
Trump added that if the talks fail, he would walk away from the process. While that sounds like a typical Trump negotiating move, the US has already reduced weapons support to Ukraine. This suggests he might actually follow through with pulling out.
He also said he would not support more sanctions on Russia, warning they might make things worse.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump twice on the same day, before and after the Putin call. He responded carefully, calling for stronger sanctions and peace talks that include the US and European countries. He suggested possible locations like the Vatican, Turkey, or Switzerland. Zelensky warned that only Russia would benefit if the US leaves the peace talks.
The Kremlin reacted positively to the Trump-Putin call. A Russian official said it lasted over two hours and that both leaders seemed eager to keep talking. This raised concerns in Europe and the US. Some fear Putin is using Trump to his advantage without offering anything in return.
Trump’s allies had raised expectations before the call, saying he would push Putin hard. But so far, there is no sign that he demanded anything or set clear conditions for Russia to stop the war.
Trump has often said he wants to bring peace in his second term. He recently helped free a US hostage in Gaza, but in Ukraine and other global conflicts, his actions have not led to real change. He also claimed progress in reducing tensions between India and Pakistan, though Indian leaders have denied this.
Putin says the war will only end when Russia’s original goals are met. These include removing what Russia calls a Nazi regime in Ukraine—meaning Ukraine’s current democratic government. That is a condition Ukraine cannot accept.
