Ukrainians Express Doubts Over Trump's Agreement with Putin

The recent conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has left many in Ukraine uncertain about the implications for the ongoing conflict. Following their discussions, various interpretations have emerged from Washington, Moscow, and Kiev, but one thing remains clear: the anticipated 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump did not materialize, and air raid alarms continued to sound across Ukraine.

According to the agreement announced by the US and Russian governments, both nations were to refrain from targeting energy infrastructure for one month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that while Ukraine supports the concept, further details regarding the specifics of Trump's and Putin's agreement are necessary. He stressed the need for clarity on what was discussed during their phone call.

Trump described their conversation as 'very productive,' asserting that they had reached a consensus on an immediate ceasefire concerning Ukraine's energy infrastructure. He expressed optimism about the potential for a complete cessation of hostilities and an end to the war, stating that he had discussed multiple aspects of a peace agreement with Putin.

However, Zelensky's response was more cautious. He indicated that Ukraine would not remain silent if Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian energy facilities. His comments came during a visit to Finland, where he highlighted the need for Ukraine to respond to any ongoing aggression.

Looking forward, additional negotiations are set to take place in Saudi Arabia, as announced by Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff. The details surrounding the participants in these talks remain unclear, but Witkoff mentioned that several issues still need to be resolved.

Previously, US and Ukrainian representatives met in Jeddah to discuss the cessation of the Russian offensive. Zelensky has voiced concerns about negotiations being made without Ukrainian involvement, particularly regarding any decisions that could adversely affect Ukraine's standing.

In a recent interview, Trump addressed whether Putin had demanded an immediate halt to all forms of assistance to Ukraine during their call. He replied that this topic was not a focus of their conversation, leaving ambiguity about what kind of support was implied.

Following the call, the Kremlin stated that Putin had outlined several demands, including a cessation of Western military and intelligence support for Ukraine. Additionally, Putin has consistently opposed Ukraine's NATO membership and the presence of NATO troops near its borders.

Despite the ongoing conflict, both sides have managed to negotiate some prisoner exchanges, with Zelensky confirming that 175 prisoners would be swapped soon. Furthermore, Russia has indicated it will release 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Recent events have underscored the distance from any genuine peace, as Russian forces launched a series of drone strikes across Ukraine the night following the Trump-Putin conversation. Reports indicate that one civilian was killed in the Kharkiv region, with air raid alerts also issued in the capital, Kyiv.

Zelensky condemned these attacks on social media, asserting that they further demonstrate the need for increased pressure on Putin to achieve peace. He reiterated that Ukraine must remain vigilant as Russia aims to maximize pressure through military offensives in various regions.

Despite significant damage to its energy infrastructure from Russian attacks, Ukraine has shown resilience, managing to maintain its energy system through the harsh winter months. Meanwhile, Ukraine's counterattacks on Russian oil facilities have begun to complicate matters for Moscow, suggesting a shift in the balance of pressure.

Overall, the aftermath of the Trump-Putin discussions illustrates the complexity of the conflict and the challenges ahead for both diplomatic efforts and military strategies.