Direct contact between Trump and Putin is needed: why the “peace” talks have reached a dead end
29 April 21:36
Putin continues to insist that Russia must gain control of the four Ukrainian regions it has not fully occupied as a prerequisite for any peace deal. Bloomberg reported this with reference to sources familiar with the situation in Moscow, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the publication, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff tried to convince Putin to agree to a ceasefire along the current front line during lengthy talks in the Kremlin last Friday. Instead, the Russian leader maintained his maximalist position on territorial claims.
According to sources, the talks are currently at a standstill, and direct contact between Putin and Trump is needed to make further progress.
Such a tough stance deals a significant blow to US President Donald Trump’s attempts to achieve a ceasefire and a permanent end to the war. The White House is growing frustrated with the lack of progress in the negotiations.
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The United States has declared its readiness to recognize Russian control over Crimea as part of a proposed peace deal. This proposal also envisages a “freeze” of the conflict mainly along the existing battle lines, which effectively gives Russia control over parts of four Ukrainian regions already occupied by its troops.
The Trump administration also wants Moscow to return the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest in Europe, which it seized at the beginning of the war. According to the proposal, the facility would come under U.S. control to ensure energy supplies for both sides. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ruled out this possibility in an interview with CBS.
Putin on Monday announced a three-day ceasefire, starting May 8, to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days.
The United States, which had sought a permanent ceasefire by April 30, expressed disappointment at Putin’s announcement of a truce. White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said on Monday that Trump is “increasingly frustrated” with the leaders of both Russia and Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, European officials believe that over the next two weeks it will become clear whether the United States will be able to get Russia and Ukraine to agree, or whether it will abandon the talks or increase pressure on Moscow.
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