Trump Pushes Peace Talks, Claims Moscow Wants a Settlement

Washington/Geneva: Talks regarding the Russia-Ukraine war are set to resume, but US President Donald Trump now appears clearly impatient. On Friday, Trump gave an open message to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that there should be no delay in reaching an agreement. His statement has come at a time when America is going to hold new talks with representatives of Russia and Ukraine in Geneva next week.

What did Trump say to Zelensky directly?

Donald Trump said that Russia is ready for an agreement, and now Ukraine will also have to step forward. He also said that if Zelensky did not show speed, he could lose a big opportunity. It was clearly visible in Trump's words that Washington is no longer in favor of a long drawn out conflict.

Why are the talks in Geneva important?

The proposed talks in Geneva on Tuesday and Wednesday are being counted among the most important meetings of this year. Earlier, the US-initiated talks in Abu Dhabi could not reach any result. Especially regarding the Donbass region, there was no softening in the stance of either side.

Who will sit at the negotiating table on behalf of Russia and Ukraine?

From the Russian side, Vladimir Medinsky, a close advisor to President Vladimir Putin, will lead the delegation this time too. The Ukrainian team will be commanded by National Security Council chief Rustem Umerov. It has not been made clear yet which officials will be present from the American side.

Is Trump's anger venting only on Ukraine?

Although Trump has occasionally expressed his displeasure with Putin, most of his statements are about Zelensky. Trump believes that Kyiv is deliberately prolonging the talks. Even before this, Trump had set deadlines, but they passed without any major impact.

What message is Zelensky trying to send to Europe?

Meanwhile, Zelensky reached Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference. He met German leaders there and also visited a Ukrainian-German drone manufacturing facility. Germany remains Ukraine's most reliable military partner.

How is NATO viewing the situation in Russia?

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia's ground advance is not as fast as some reports are suggesting. He said that the pace of the Russian army has been very slow and it has also suffered heavy losses.

Are ground conditions telling a different story than the talks?

The fight amid diplomacy has not stopped. There are daily attacks on the approximately 1,250 kilometer long front line. Russia is targeting civilian areas and energy infrastructure, while Ukraine is also carrying out drone attacks deep inside Russia.

How heavy is the burden of war on civilians?

A recent Russian attack in eastern Ukraine killed three brothers, aged between 8 and 19. Attacks in Odessa also resulted in loss of lives and injuries to many people. On the other hand, Russia has claimed that it has shot down dozens of Ukrainian drones.

What is expected to happen next?

There are definitely expectations from the Geneva talks, but the circumstances show that the path to an agreement is not easy yet. On one hand there is increasing pressure from Trump, on the other hand there is ground reality, which is making any decision difficult.