President Trump Calls for a Full Peace Agreement in Ukraine

During a private meeting with Vladimir Putin, lasting approximately three hours, President Trump unexpectedly announced his preference for a comprehensive peace agreement rather than a simple cease-fire. Believing that a temporary pause would only extend the conflict, Trump indicated he was no longer interested in a mere truce.

He expressed concern that focusing solely on a cease-fire might lead to rearming and prolong the war, urging instead for a lasting settlement. His conviction grew after a series of discussions with European leaders and calls aboard Air Force One, during which he secured their support for a full peace deal. Trump even confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would visit Washington to discuss the potential agreement.

In the summit, Putin reiterated demands for Ukraine to surrender the remainder of the Donetsk region, an area he claims to have annexed in 2022. Zelensky opposes ceding this territory, citing fears that it would break decades-old defensive lines and enable further Russian incursions. The possibility of deploying an international peacekeeping force was discussed, with Putin reportedly open to involving troops from the UK and France, and possibly Turkey, to maintain peace and prevent renewed conflict.

Putin also assured Trump he would not attack additional eastern European countries, a statement seen as significant by European leaders, although they tend to think in longer timeframes. Zelensky has emphasized that territorial concessions would require a national referendum, complicating any final decisions.

Following these talks, Trump announced Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Washington on social media. Trump secured a symbolic victory by persuading Putin to acknowledge that he has no interest in attacking other European nations, a reassurance appreciated by European allies.

The summit also included symbolic gestures, such as Trump escorting Putin down a red carpet prior to discussions, with military flyovers overhead. Despite the tensions, Trump expressed interest in a three-way summit involving himself, Putin, and Zelensky, potentially hosted in the U.S.