Trump Sets Date for Ukraine Discussion with Putin

In a significant development, US President Donald Trump has announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump, who made this declaration while aboard Air Force One, indicated that the conversation is scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday and will center on efforts to end the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

During the conversation, Trump intends to discuss the potential division of specific assets between Russia and Ukraine, as part of a broader strategy to facilitate peace talks. This announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions and a lack of progress in negotiations, with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing reservations about Trump's approach.

Recently, Trump redefined the role of Keith Kellogg, who has served as the US Special Envoy for Russia. Kellogg's responsibilities will now focus solely on Ukraine, following feedback from Russian representatives indicating they were unwilling to engage with him in high-stakes discussions aimed at resolving the conflict. Some former high-ranking Russian officials have suggested that Kellogg's views may be too sympathetic toward Ukraine.

While Trump has vowed to expedite the resolution of the Ukraine crisis, his efforts have faced obstacles, particularly due to Zelenskyy's reluctance to fully align with Trump's proposals. Zelenskyy has criticized Russia's stalling tactics in the peace negotiations, accusing them of prolonging the war unnecessarily. He highlighted that recent talks have not yielded significant advancements, emphasizing that Ukraine is committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In parallel, Russia has signaled its demands for guarantees that NATO will not accept Ukraine as a member state as part of any peace agreement. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that these guarantees should include a commitment to Ukraine's neutral status.

In response to the evolving situation, Lithuania has expressed support for a proposal to increase military aid to Ukraine significantly, suggesting that the EU should double its assistance to 40 billion euros this year. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys asserted that sustained military support is crucial for Ukraine to maintain its defense capabilities against potential further Russian aggression.

In the broader context, the Ukrainian army has reportedly utilized a newly developed anti-ship missile, Neptun, successfully striking targets within Russian-controlled territories. President Zelenskyy praised the missile's capabilities, indicating that it represents a significant advancement in Ukraine's military technology.

As the situation continues to evolve, discussions around the potential for a ceasefire remain uncertain. President Putin has indicated a willingness to consider a ceasefire under specific conditions, but details of these conditions remain undisclosed. Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine's readiness to negotiate a ceasefire as long as it aligns with the nation's interests.

In a related development, President Zelenskyy has appointed his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, as the head negotiator for peace talks with Russia, underscoring Ukraine's commitment to pursuing diplomatic solutions while maintaining a strong defense posture.