Trump sees an advance in trying to frame Zelensky to Putin’s requirements

United States President Donald Trump published on Wednesday a message on his social network social network, stating that his telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was “very good.” The call, which lasted about an hour, marks the first public contact between the two since the verbal confrontation occurred 19 days ago in the Oval Hall of the White House.

“We are very well forwarded,” Trump wrote, noting that much of the discussion was based on a previous dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to him, the goal is to align the demands of Moscow and Kiev to achieve a partial 30-day truce, which initially covers sectors of energy infrastructure and technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.

However, the apparent reconciliation between Trump and Zelensky contrasts with the tense tone of the previous meeting, when the Ukrainian leader accused the US of being distant from the real effects of war. “You don’t feel that because you have an ocean protecting you, but one day you will feel,” Zelensky said at the time. Now, under economic and political pressure, he seems to have accepted the proposal of ceasefire presented by Washington.

Partial ceasefire: a victory for Putin?

Although Trump described conversations as promising, analysts question whether partial ceasefire benefits Moscow’s demands more than Kiev’s interests. In a statement, Kremlin announced that it outlined “a series of significant points” related to the effective control line control, including interruption of forced mobilization in Ukraine and the disarmament of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

In addition, the ceasefire does not completely raise concerns about its real effectiveness. The night before the joint statement, Russia and Ukraine exchanged mutual attacks, with Russian missiles hitting Sumy and Ukrainian drones impacting oil deposits on krasnodar. Despite the record exchange of 175 war prisoners, both sides continue to accuse themselves to sabotage negotiations.

European Union: between the fear of concessions and the financial weight

While Trump seeks to consolidate his role as mediator, the European Union observes cautiously, fearing that the US president will make broad concessions to Russia. The United Kingdom has already “disappointing” Putin’s decision not to accept a total ceasefire validated by Kiev under Washington pressure.

Germany, on the other hand, warned that Kremlin may be manipulating negotiations to gain time and further weaken Ukraine. These conditions would reflect Putin’s attempt to consolidate territorial gains before any definitive negotiation. “Putin is playing a game,” said a German government source, suggesting that Russian leader may be exploring Trump’s pragmatic position for strategic advantages, echoing shared concerns by other EU members.

The growing cost of war also weighs on Europeans. With limited resources and conflict -tired populations, EU countries debate an emergency military aid package to Ukraine of 5 billion euros (approximately R $ 30 billion), mainly intended for the purchase of artillery projectiles. However, the initiative faces internal resistance in some Member States, especially those who see military escalation as unsustainable in the long run.

Zelensky: between external supervision and strategic autonomy

Zelensky, aware that he cannot be on the sidelines of the US-led negotiations, has asked Washington to supervise future ceasefire. He has assured that Kiev will respect the 30 -day truce in energy infrastructures, since Moscow does the same. “If the Russians do not attack our facilities, we will not attack theirs,” said the Ukrainian President.

However, critics argue that Zelensky’s stance reflects a loss of strategic autonomy against Trump’s pressures. For some, partial ceasefire can be seen as temporary capitulation, allowing Putin to strengthen his positions before resuming hostilities.

Uncertain Perspectives: Is a complete ceasefire close?

Despite Trump’s optimism, many questions remain unanswered. American emissary Steve Witkoff said he expects a complete and temporary ceasefire “within two weeks”, with new negotiations scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. However, Kremlin’s less enthusiastic tone suggests that the next steps may be more complicated than expected.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to reap lives. In the early hours of Wednesday, a Russian bombing killed a civilian in Kherson, and Ukrainian attacks were reported in various regions of Russia.

With divided Europe and the US assuming a central role in negotiations, the central question remains: To what extent will Trump be willing to give in to Putin’s demands to ensure a diplomatic solution? And it is not known either, if Kiev will be prepared to pay the price of this fragmented peace.