A day after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, US President Donald Trump has signaled a major shift in his approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
Previously, Trump had insisted that a ceasefire must occur before any peace negotiations. Now, he suggests that Russia and Ukraine should move directly towards a peace deal to end the 3½-year conflict.
The reversal aligns with Putin’s position, who has repeatedly emphasized that Moscow seeks a long-term settlement rather than a temporary truce.
Trump’s Statement on Direct Peace Agreement
On Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“…It was determined by all that the best way to end the horrific war between Russia and Ukraine is to go directly to a Peace Agreement, which would end the war, and not a mere Ceasefire Agreement, which often times do not hold up.”
Following his discussions with European leaders, Trump noted that Putin wants control of the key Donetsk and Luhansk regions of the Donbas, while Zelensky has previously refused to concede the territory.
European officials report that Putin appeared open to a freeze along the front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson, potentially halting the ongoing stalemate.
Next Steps: Meeting with Zelensky
Trump said he would coordinate with NATO, European allies, and hold a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Monday.
While details of the peace process remain uncertain, Trump’s reversal on the ceasefire requirement marks a notable change in US policy direction.
