In the lead-up to pivotal talks between President Donald Trump and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, international leaders are intensifying their calls for a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Putin to agree to a ‘full and unconditional ceasefire now,’ stating there are ‘no signs’ of genuine intentions for peace from the Kremlin.
During a session in Parliament, Lammy highlighted the urgency of the situation, saying, ‘Enough deaths. Enough lives destroyed. Enough destruction. The guns must fall silent.’ This sentiment was echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for considering a ceasefire proposal and challenged Putin to reciprocate.
As Trump’s discussions with Putin are set to take place, likely via phone on Tuesday, officials from the UK and France have indicated that they have further strategies to compel Russia to engage seriously in negotiations. The White House indicated optimism about the potential outcomes, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noting that peace in Ukraine had ‘never been closer’ and describing Trump’s commitment to achieving a peace deal.
Reports suggest that key discussions may include significant topics, such as the status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which Russia has occupied since March 2022. Trump noted, ‘We’ll be talking about land. We’ll be talking about power plants […] We’re already talking about that, dividing up certain assets.’
Despite previous indications of support for a ceasefire from the Kremlin, Putin has outlined stringent conditions for any agreement, complicating the path toward meaningful negotiations. The ongoing situation in Russia’s Western Kursk region, where Ukraine conducted an incursion last year, remains a major point of tension, with Putin claiming full control over the area.
Recent delegations from Ukraine and the U.S. discussed a peace proposal in Saudi Arabia, proposing a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine expressed readiness to accept. In light of all these developments, Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered unwavering support for Ukraine, pressuring Russia for definitive commitments to a ceasefire.
As the Trump-Putin dialogue draws near, the international community waits in anticipation for any signs of progress towards a peaceful resolution, with the stakes only becoming higher in this complex geopolitical landscape.