US President Donald Trump has pushed energetically for peace in Ukraine. He desires the war to end soon. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stalled all such efforts thus far. Vladimir Putin has spurned every cease fire proposal, including a generous seven-point peace proposal.
He even missed the direct negotiations with Ukraine that he himself had proposed. Now, despite Donald Trump’s peace initiative, the war continues—Putin in the way.
Putin Rejects All Peace Initiatives
Donald Trump has made several peace agreements to end the Ukraine war. He even presented Vladimir Putin with terms in Russia’s favor. The seven-point initiative granted Russia dominance over nearly all captured Ukrainian lands. It also excluded NATO membership for Ukraine. Nevertheless, Vladimir Putin refused it.
This rejection dismayed Trump’s European allies. They had endorsed the deal. So had Ukraine as a launching point for broader negotiations. But Putin would not give way.
Trump’s Ceasefire Idea Gains Support
In addition to the peace plan, Donald Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire. The aim was to halt the bloodshed and provide room for negotiations. Ukraine enthusiastically supported the proposal. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suspended fighting and called for negotiations at the top level.
European leaders welcomed the ceasefire too. Again, Putin refused. His refusal raised new questions regarding Russia’s motives.
Putin Backs Out of His Own Proposal
In an unexpected twist, Putin offered direct negotiations in Turkey. Volodymyr Zelenskyy agreed to them. He even offered to increase the level to direct leader-to-leader negotiations. But Putin did not arrive. He welshed on talks he had personally initiated.
This action has left global observers questioning. Most now think Vladimir Putin is not serious about ending the war.
Donald Trump continues to call for ending the war. His quest for peace enjoys unstinting support from Ukraine and Europe. But the story told by Putin is different. Putin goes on blocking all doors to peace. Unless and until Putin spurns talks, Trump might continue to be trapped in a war he desires to end.
