In a high-stakes diplomatic push, US President Donald Trump has revealed plans to negotiate directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, aiming to broker an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump disclosed that both sides have already begun discussing ‘dividing up certain assets,’ including land and power plants, as part of a ceasefire agreement.
High-Stakes Negotiations in Motion
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump emphasized the urgency of these talks. “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance,” he told reporters. He added that negotiators had already worked throughout the weekend to lay the groundwork for discussions.
Trump is actively seeking Putin’s support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine has already accepted. Despite ongoing heavy aerial bombardments and Russia’s intensified push to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk, Trump remains optimistic about a breakthrough.
Concessions on the Table?
When asked about potential compromises, Trump was candid: “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants.” His remarks suggest that significant negotiations have already taken place regarding the redistribution of assets in war-torn regions.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, reinforced this sentiment, stating that Putin “accepts the philosophy” of Trump’s peace terms. However, when pressed on specifics—such as whether Ukraine would have to surrender its forces in Kursk or if Western military aid would be halted—Witkoff refused to provide details.
Russia’s Stand: No NATO, No European Troops
Moscow has been firm in its stance that any long-term peace agreement must include ‘ironclad security guarantees’ for Russia. Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko insisted that Ukraine must maintain a neutral status and be barred from joining NATO.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Russia’s authority over Ukraine’s security choices, stating, “If Ukraine requests allied forces to be on its territory, it is not up to Russia to accept or reject them.”
Shake-Up in Ukraine’s Military Leadership
Amid these high-level diplomatic maneuvers, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a major military shake-up. Andriy Gnatov, a seasoned commander with over 27 years of military experience, has replaced Anatoliy Bargylevych as chief of general staff.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Gnatov’s appointment aims to “bring more combat experience” into operational planning and improve coordination among Ukraine’s forces. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov echoed this, highlighting a systematic restructuring of Ukraine’s military command to bolster efficiency and combat effectiveness.
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The Road Ahead
As Trump prepares for his high-stakes conversation with Putin, the world watches closely. Will these discussions pave the way for a ceasefire, or will deep-seated demands stall progress? With major global players weighing in, the outcome of this negotiation could reshape the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.
