U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, are set to hold a phone conversation this Tuesday to explore possible solutions to the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stated that the discussion will focus on two key issues: territorial disputes and control over critical energy facilities, including the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
This meeting has generated great international anticipation, as it could mark a turning point in the war that has devastated Ukraine and strained global relations. However, skepticism remains, as previous negotiations between the two leaders have not led to significant progress.
The Kremlin’s Stance and Uncertainty About the Agenda
The Kremlin has confirmed the meeting but has not disclosed details about the agenda. While Trump has assured that the focus will be on territory and energy, some analysts believe that the discussion could extend to broader issues, such as the possibility of a ceasefire or de-escalation in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow maintains a firm stance regarding the occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, which Russia considers to be under its definitive control. Ukraine, on the other hand, has made it clear that it will not accept ceding territory in exchange for peace, making any agreement involving concessions highly challenging.
Europe Mobilizes: Military Aid and Internal Divisions
As Trump and Putin prepare for their dialogue, European Union foreign ministers are debating a new military aid package for Ukraine in Brussels. The proposal, led by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, includes the supply of military equipment such as ammunition, air defense systems, and drones, with a budget that could reach €40 billion.
However, the European Union faces internal divisions regarding this initiative. Hungary, in particular, has strongly opposed it, arguing that further militarization of the conflict will only prolong the war and make a peace agreement more difficult. Other countries, such as Poland and the Baltic states, advocate for a tougher stance against Russia and greater military support for Ukraine.
War on the Ground: Attacks and Counterattacks
While leaders engage in discussions, the war on the ground shows no signs of abating. In the last few hours, Russia has launched 174 drones against various Ukrainian regions, with Kyiv claiming to have intercepted 160 of them. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused Ukraine of carrying out 72 explosive drone attacks on Russian targets.
The constant exchange of aerial attacks reflects the intensity of the conflict and the lack of progress in diplomatic resolutions. Despite heavy casualties and the devastating impact on civilian and military infrastructure, neither side seems willing to cede ground.
Can the Trump-Putin Conversation Change the Course of the Conflict?
Despite the high expectations, the likelihood of the Trump-Putin conversation leading to a significant breakthrough remains uncertain. Analysts agree that dialogue is a necessary step, but they doubt that concrete agreements will be reached in the short term.
On one hand, the United States and its allies have reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine’s defense, while Russia has made it clear that it will not back down from its territorial ambitions. This ongoing tension makes any negotiation attempt extremely complex.
Nevertheless, diplomacy remains one of the few tools available to prevent further escalation of the conflict. As the world watches closely, the question remains: will this conversation mark the beginning of a real peace process, or will it simply serve as another reminder of the impossibility of finding a negotiated solution?
