European Leaders Stand with Ukraine
European leaders have aligned with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, advocating for the initiation of peace talks to include a freeze on the current frontline in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This coalition warns that Russia is not genuinely committed to achieving peace.
A statement endorsed by 11 leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, declared their strong endorsement of US President Donald Trump’s assertion that “the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”
Russia’s Rejection of Frontline Freeze
In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected the notion of pausing the conflict along the existing contact line, asserting that Moscow seeks only “long-term, sustainable peace.” His remarks insinuated that a frontline freeze would equate to nothing more than a temporary ceasefire.
The European leaders’ statement characterized Russia’s approach as one of “stalling tactics,” highlighting the entrenched position of Moscow.
Trump’s Diplomatic Efforts
President Trump, known for his conciliatory stances towards Russia, is planning direct discussions with President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. However, the timing for a preparatory meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lavrov has become uncertain.
Last week, Trump spoke with Putin prior to his meeting with Zelensky and his team at the White House. Sources report that Trump encouraged the Ukrainian leader to consider relinquishing significant territories in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, collectively referred to as the Donbas, in exchange for a deal with Russia. Accounts suggest that this led to a heated exchange, though Zelensky later characterized the conversations as “frank.”
Ukraine’s Stance on Territorial Integrity
The Ukrainian president has consistently dismissed the idea of withdrawing from the Donbas region, arguing that such a move could enable further Russian aggression. “I explained during my visit to Washington last week that Ukraine’s position has not changed,” Zelensky stated on Monday.
Although Russia has seized control of most of Luhansk, Ukrainian forces continue to hold approximately a quarter of Donetsk, including vital urban centers like Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
Trump’s Position on Territory and Ceasefire
Trump, who later denied having pressured Zelensky to capitulate in the Donbas, has since adopted a pro-ceasefire position along the existing frontlines. “Let it be cut the way it is,” Trump remarked, referring to the disputed area. “It’s cut up right now. I think 78% of the land is already taken by Russia… I said: cut and stop at the battle line. Go home. Stop fighting, stop killing people.”
Russia’s Consistent Stance
Despite international dialogue, the Kremlin has remained adamant against the idea of freezing the front line. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the concept has been presented to Russia multiple times but noted that “the consistency of Russia’s position doesn’t change.” This relates to Moscow’s demand for a full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the contentious eastern regions.
Lavrov reiterated this argument, stating that addressing the “root causes of the conflict” was essential. This phrase serves as Kremlin jargon for a host of maximalist demands, including the recognition of full Russian sovereignty over the Donbas and Ukraine’s demilitarization—objectives firmly rejected by Kyiv and its European allies.
Challenges to Upcoming Diplomatic Meetings
Expectations for a soon-to-happen meeting between Trump and Putin in Budapest have been tempered, according to Peskov, who remarked, “We cannot postpone what has not been finalised.” While Lavrov and Rubio were scheduled to meet this week to plan the summit, no specific timeline has been established.
To facilitate Putin’s travel to Hungary, at least one EU country must approve its airspace for the Russian leader’s aircraft. Following an international warrant for war crimes against Putin, Poland and Lithuania have expressed their intent to enforce this order should he attempt to fly through their territories. In contrast, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev hinted that Bulgaria might permit the plane to transit through its airspace, stating, “When efforts are made for peace, it is only logical that all sides contribute to making such a meeting possible.”
Historical Context of Trump-Putin Meetings
The last face-to-face encounter between Trump and Putin occurred in August in Alaska during an impromptu summit that produced little beyond ending Putin’s isolation in the West. Following the talks, Trump proposed organizing a bilateral summit between Putin and Zelensky. However, Russia indicated that such a meeting would only proceed once the “root causes” of the conflict were resolved, ultimately leading all parties to quietly abandon the initiative.
Trump has since expressed that finding a solution to the Russian-Ukrainian war, which is now entering its fourth year, is a “difficult” task.
