Zelenskyy Supports Trump's Proposal to Freeze Ukraine-Russia War, But Doubts Putin's Acceptance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shown support for former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent proposal to establish a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia along current frontlines. During a visit to Oslo, part of his Scandinavian tour to seek increased military support, Zelenskyy described the proposal as a 'good compromise.' However, he voiced skepticism regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to agree to such an arrangement, stating, 'I think that was a good compromise but I'm not sure that Putin will support it.' Earlier this week, Trump discussed the potential for negotiations, suggesting that while a ceasefire could be implemented now, further discussions could occur later to address broader issues. His remarks came just before a postponed summit with Putin, as Moscow indicated its goal to gain control over the entirety of the eastern Donbas region remained unchanged. Trump's proposal has been viewed as a modest diplomatic victory for Zelenskyy, who has previously expressed frustration with U.S. policy towards the conflict. The Biden administration has fluctuated regarding its stance on ceasefire timing and territorial concessions, with some reports indicating that Trump hesitated to commit additional military support, such as Tomahawk missiles, following discussions with Putin. Despite ongoing military efforts, Ukrainian officials have privately acknowledged to their Western allies that regaining all occupied territory through military means is unlikely. Consequently, there has been increasing openness to the idea of freezing conflict lines, although this marks a departure from Zelenskyy's earlier commitment to reclaim all territory lost to Russia. Russia, however, remains resolute in its demands and has clearly rejected Trump's proposal to freeze the battle lines. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has articulated Moscow's viewpoint, dismissing the calls from Washington to stop the conflict outright. Lavrov contended that halting the conflict would neglect the 'root causes' of the war, such as Russian demands for dominance over the Donbas region, restrictions on Ukraine's military capabilities, and a say in its internal governance. In recent correspondence to Washington, Russia reiterated its previous terms for a peace settlement. This hardline stance raises questions about the viability of a potential Trump-Putin summit that was discussed last week, especially after Trump's experience in Alaska earlier this year, which ended without significant progress. While the U.S. continues to navigate the intricacies of peace talks, Russia has escalated its military operations in Ukraine, recently launching its largest aerial bombardment in two weeks. These relentless attacks claimed the lives of six people, including a six-month-old infant and a 12-year-old girl. Additionally, a drone strike in Kharkiv targeted a kindergarten, resulting in casualties. Amid this atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding renewed diplomatic efforts, Putin oversaw drills involving Russia's strategic nuclear forces that included practice missile launches. Although the Kremlin branded these exercises as routine, they come amid a pattern of nuclear posturing that could signal Moscow's readiness to respond aggressively to what it perceives as threats. In a recent statement from the White House, Trump expressed his reluctance to engage in a 'wasted meeting' with Putin until clearer signs of cooperation emerge from Russia. Nonetheless, he emphasized that both leaders are interested in ending the conflict, even as the situation continues to evolve. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2