Donald Trump optimistic about truce between Ukraine and Russia: ‘We have the outlines of an agreement’

US president confirms talks with Putin and Zelensky, confident of a ceasefire and territorial agreement. Kiev hopes for an understanding at the next meeting in Saudi Arabia

US President Donald Trump says he is confident that he is close to an understanding for a truce between Ukraine and Russia, announcing that after recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, the outlines of a possible agreement already exist. ‘I think we have the contours of an agreement, I hope we have the contours of an agreement,’ Trump said, reiterating the importance of ending the conflict.

Trump claimed to have had ‘very good talks’ with both leaders, stressing two main reasons why he is trying to mediate: ‘Thousands of people are being killed every week and the United States, because of Joe Biden, has paid 350 billion for a war that should never have happened. The current situation, according to the president, is unsustainable both in human and economic terms.

The difficult situation on the ground: the raids continue

Despite Trump’s optimistic statements, the situation on the ground remains complex. The ceasefire on energy infrastructure does not seem to be working, with Russia continuing its raids, according to Ukrainian sources. ‘They are fighting each other, there are soldiers surrounded,’ Trump said, referring to the presence of Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region, adding that ’soon we will have a full ceasefire and then an agreement, which is discussed in terms of territorial divisions.’

The agreement seems to focus on possible concessions of territory, a crucial node that could be the basis for a lasting truce.

Trump’s message to Nato: ‘It must treat us fairly’

Asked about the US role in Nato, Trump emphasised its crucial contribution to strengthening the alliance. ‘Nato was over before I came along. We were paying for practically everything, now others are paying for it. Thanks to me, Nato got hundreds of billions,’ the US president said, reiterating that without the US commitment, Nato would not be the same.

According to Trump, President Putin would not be worried by a NATO without US involvement, but he is if the US is active within the alliance. The US leader therefore reiterated the need for NATO to treat the US ‘fairly’.

Upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia: Kiev aims at a partial ceasefire

Meanwhile, Ukraine looks forward to the next round of talks on Monday in Saudi Arabia, where Russian and Ukrainian representatives will meet US officials. According to a senior Ukrainian official told AFP, Kiev is aiming for a partial ceasefire, based on proposals already made in previous negotiations.

The Ukrainian delegation will be led by the defence minister, Rustem Umerov, and will focus on trying to end hostilities on at least some fronts, hoping for an initial, albeit partial, solution to the conflict.

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