Trump Says Call With Putin Yields No Progress on Ukraine Cease-Fire

• Trump’s call with Putin led to no progress on Ukraine cease-fire.
• The phone call lasted about an hour, marking their sixth conversation.
• Kremlin’s Ushakov stressed the importance of diplomatic resolution with Iran.
• Despite talks, Putin maintained a firm stance on Ukraine’s negotiations.
• Russia’s demands on Ukraine include territorial concessions and military limitations.

No Progress Made in Trump-Putin Call on Ukraine

In a recent phone call between President Trump and President Vladimir V. Putin, not much headway was made regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of progress, stating he was “not happy” with the persistence of the conflict. Despite the dialogue lasting approximately an hour, both leaders concluded that there were no concrete developments towards a cease-fire during their discussion on Thursday morning.

Trump and Putin Discuss Broader International Issues

The phone call marked the sixth known communication between the two since Mr. Trump resumed office in January. During their conversation, a variety of topics were discussed, including tensions surrounding Iran and its nuclear ambitions. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov emphasized that all issues concerning Iran should be settled exclusively through diplomatic discussions, hinting at a broader scope of negotiations that goes beyond just Ukraine.

Putin’s Stance on Ukraine Remains Firm

Yet, Mr. Putin displayed his steadfast stance on the Ukraine situation, raising concerns among Western officials about the sincerity of Russian peace initiatives. According to reports delivered by Mr. Ushakov, Putin reiterated that Russia intends to continue pursuing its military objectives while tackling the “root causes” of the conflict. This phrasing is often interpreted as Russia’s demand for Ukraine to concede significant territory, declare its neutrality, and limit its military affiliations, particularly regarding NATO.

In conclusion, the recent conversation between Presidents Trump and Putin reflected the ongoing stalemate regarding the Ukraine conflict. With neither side eager to shift their positions, the prospects for peace appear dim. As both leaders prepare for future discussions, the underlying tensions and unresolved issues surrounding violence in the region remain pressing matters.