Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday morning regarding a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. The discussion is expected to include possible territorial concessions by Ukraine and control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Trump’s Peace Efforts

Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump stated his confidence in brokering a ceasefire agreement, saying, “We’re going to see if we can work a peace agreement, a ceasefire and peace, and I think we’ll be able to do it.”The initiative comes after Trump reportedly halted military aid to Ukraine earlier this month. He suggested that his approach, including a controversial Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, may have pressured Kyiv into considering peace negotiations.Ukraine recently accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal, while Russia continues military advances, including efforts to push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. Trump described the situation there as dire for Ukrainian troops, stating they are “in deep trouble,” surrounded by Russian forces.

Negotiations and Key Issues

When asked about the potential terms of the ceasefire, Trump indicated that the talks would focus on territorial divisions and power plants, likely referring to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. The plant, the largest in Europe, has been a point of contention, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of endangering its safety.The White House confirmed that Trump and Putin would discuss a power plant “on the border” of Russia and Ukraine, but did not provide further details. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Trump’s remarks.According to sources, Putin had already sent Trump a message about the ceasefire plan through U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. The Russian leader reportedly expressed “cautious optimism” about the possibility of an agreement.

U.S. Stance and Global Response

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz acknowledged that significant challenges remain before a final peace deal can be reached.During an interview, Waltz was asked whether the U.S. would support a deal allowing Russia to retain Ukrainian territory it has seized. He responded, “We have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic?”Meanwhile, Zelensky remains firm on Ukraine’s sovereignty, insisting that Russian forces must withdraw from occupied territories, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.Russia, on the other hand, has set several conditions for peace, including:

• Guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO.
• Retention of all Ukrainian territory currently under Russian control.
• A reduction in the size of Ukraine’s military.
• The easing of Western sanctions.
• A presidential election in Ukraine, which Kyiv argues is not possible under martial law.

Potential Peacekeeping Forces

Some Western leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have suggested that international peacekeeping troops could be deployed in Ukraine if a deal is reached. However, Russia has strongly opposed this idea, stating that any foreign troops would be seen as combatants in the conflict.

Looking Ahead

While Trump’s attempt at brokering peace could lead to a ceasefire, deep divisions remain between Ukraine, Russia, and Western allies. Zelensky continues to push for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while Russia insists on firm guarantees for its security interests.As negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see whether this latest diplomatic effort will bring an end to the prolonged and devastating war.For more stay connected to america112.com