World News: Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that a ceasefire in Ukraine is not possible until Russia achieves its military and strategic objectives. He made this statement during an hour-long telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday. This was the sixth discussion between the two leaders in the past six months, focusing primarily on the ongoing war in Ukraine and the escalating situation in Iran.
Russia's Conditions Stall Prospects for Peace Talks
During the call, President Trump emphasized the need to initiate negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. However, Putin maintained that Russia is open to peace talks only if they align with its national interests and security goals.
Putin outlined that Ukraine must abandon its efforts to join NATO and relinquish its claims over the territories currently under Russian control. He further accused Ukraine of marginalizing Russian-speaking citizens and fueling regional instability by deepening its ties with NATO.
Iran Situation Addressed, Putin Stresses Diplomacy
The two leaders also engaged in in-depth discussions on the ongoing crisis in Iran, with Putin emphasizing that political and diplomatic dialogue remains the only effective path to resolving the situation. This comes after the U.S. launched strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, an action that Russia publicly condemned. Earlier, a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran had further intensified tensions in the region.
Zelensky Responds: Trump and Putin Share Similar Views
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is currently on an official visit to Denmark, also reacted to the Trump-Putin call. He stated, “Trump and Putin may be very different individuals, but in several key areas, their viewpoints and priorities appear to align. It’s difficult to predict the outcome of their conversation.”
Zelensky added that he plans to meet with President Trump in person soon, aiming to restore the U.S. military assistance that had previously been paused.
President Putin’s comments make it evident that Russia is not ready to halt its military campaign in Ukraine unless its demands are met. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine continue to push for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The next few weeks may prove pivotal, potentially shaping the course of this regional crisis and determining whether peace negotiations can gain momentum.
