Trump told Zelensky he wants ceasefire from Putin summit

President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Wednesday that his goals from Friday's summit with Vladimir Putin are to get a ceasefire and to better understand whether a full peace deal is possible, according to two sources with knowledge of the call.Why it matters: The Ukrainians and Europeans had been unsure what Trump actually hoped to achieve in Alaska, but this is a concrete target that aligns with their objectives. Putin has repeatedly rebuffed the idea of an unconditional ceasefire up to now.Trump had downplayed the likelihood of major breakthroughs in Alaska, calling it a "feel-out meeting."But French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who were also on the call, both confirmed afterwards that Trump said he wants to try to obtain a ceasefire.Driving the news: Wednesday's call, which lasted more than an hour, was perhaps the last chance for Zelensky and key European leaders to shape Trump's thinking heading into the meeting.Zelensky told Trump on the call that "Putin cannot be trusted," a source with knowledge said.The source said Trump told the leaders that he's not from the region and can't make any final decisions on territory, but he thinks land swaps will be needed as part of a peace deal. "Trump said it's Vladimir and Volodymyr who have to discuss territories with each other, not him."Behind the scenes: A source who was on the call said Macron took "very tough" positions and told Trump "a meeting is a very big thing to give to Putin." The source added: "Trump didn't like that."The source said Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte were both "very active" and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni "raised some good points."Polish President Karol Nawrocki "reminded Trump of the Battle of Warsaw, exactly 105 years ago, when Poland fought together with Ukrainians against the Bolsheviks in Russia," the source said.The latest: Zelensky appeared alongside Merz in Berlin immediately after the call with Trump.Both stressed that Ukrainian and European interests must be upheld during the summit — a signal of their concern about what Trump and Putin might agree to.Zelensky called for more "pressure" on Russia and argued that Putin was only bluffing when he acted as though sanctions would have no effect.Merz said Trump "largely agreed" during the call that Russia can't be granted legal recognition of the territories it has occupied during the war.Between the lines: Trump has suggested freezing most battle lines in place, with additional "land swaps." But those could potentially be de facto borders without international recognition.The mood: Trump has a one-day-at-a-time view of the process, focusing on forward progress in the short term to nudge Ukraine and Russia closer to a deal, his advisers say."Yes, the president hasn't been happy about Putin as of late. But that's gone. He's optimistic," an administration official told Axios."We're optimistic. But we're not crazy. This is hard," the official added.A second official said the optimism was tied to a belief that both sides are tired of the conflict and the U.S. has enough credibility with both sides to make it happen. "Everyone is exhausted, so this is where the art of the possible —the Art of the Deal— becomes possible."The other side: European officials tend to be much less convinced that Putin is truly looking for peace.What to watch: Zelensky said during Wednesday's press conference that no diplomatic solution can be achieved without Ukraine, and stressed there should be a trilateral summit involving him, Trump and Putin.Trump has endorsed that idea but Putin demurred.Trump told the leaders on the call that he would give them an update after his meeting with Putin.

Comments

World news

‘Zombie’ rabbits with black horns and mouth tentacles are invading Colorado backyards

Independent

Footage shows chaos on board UK Ryanair flight as 'brawl sparked by crying baby sees police called and passengers held on the plane for an hour after landing'

about 4 hours ago

The murder capital of the US and a former mayor on crack: DC’s history of crime problems

Independent

Comments

Similar News

Trump’s tariffs turn from confused to chaotic

Trump threatens ‘very severe consequences’ if Putin refuses to end Ukraine war

US judge orders Trump administration to restore part of UCLA’s frozen funding

Experts push to uphold credible climate science findings as Trump administration spreads doubt

Lula says Trump would be put on trial in Brazil if January 6 riots took place there

Trump defense official led thinktank that spread lies about Tren de Aragua

Zelensky tells Trump that Putin is ‘bluffing’ and does not want peace ahead of crunch Ukraine summit

JD Vance delivers special message from Trump to US troops based at UK RAF base

Experts fear Trump administration’s use of ‘dehumanizing’ memes is ‘a jump to actual violence’

Laura Loomer sets her sights on her next target to get the boot from the Trump administration

Zelensky warns Trump Putin is ‘bluffing’ ahead of crunch Ukraine peace talks

Zelensky and Putin to meet in days, Trump claims – as Ukraine ceasefire now ‘viable’

Trump threatens ‘consequences’ for Putin – but we’ve seen this show before

China Can Help Trump and Putin End the War in Ukraine

In maps: The war-ravaged Ukrainian territories at the heart of the Trump-Putin summit

Zelenskyy: Trump supports ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine at Putin summit

Mayor of DC pushes back on Trump’s incursion as national guard troops patrol the streets

Trump’s efforts to defund Planned Parenthood threatens US healthcare system, study suggests

Trump gives assurances to Europeans over talks with Putin on Ukraine

Trump will host Kennedy Center Honors in presidential first. Here’s who’s on the honorees list

World news

‘Zombie’ rabbits with black horns and mouth tentacles are invading Colorado backyards

Trump’s approval ratings drop with Republicans as he deals with Epstein fallout and tariff concerns

Family of teenage US Navy sailor pay tribute after he was declared lost at sea

Zelensky makes key demand to Trump and Putin ahead of crunch peace talks

US and Russia suggest ‘West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine’

Cops fear baby may be ‘in danger’ as they launch search for pair linked to man’s murder in Florida

Los Angeles schools are prepping ‘safe zones’ to keep ICE agents away as students return to classroom

White House approves changes to H-1B visa program. Here’s what to know

Trump will host Kennedy Center Honors in presidential first. Here’s who’s on the honorees list

Wildfires in Madrid burn 26 horses to death as record-breaking heatwave sweeps across Europe

Air Canada to cancel flights ahead of possible cabin crew strike

Watch as huge superyacht engulfed in flames off Ibiza coast

Air Canada to cancel flights ahead of possible cabin crew strike action

Shadow Home secretary Chris Philp has 'curved machete' pulled on him during visit to French migrant camp

Prisoners ‘slaughtered and ate’ guinea pigs while working at animal shelter

Lineker failed to ask Rashford the blindingly obvious questions

Have Tottenham made an error by naming Cristian Romero captain?

Seven ways to keep your home and yourself cool in a heatwave

Inside Trump’s chaotic White House preparations for Alaska summit

I was UK ambassador to Ukraine – here’s how Trump could outsmart Putin

India Is Struggling to Figure Out Trump

Beware Europe’s Military Bridges to Nowhere

Trump told Zelensky he wants ceasefire from Putin summit

Spending climbs among the rich, as everyone else's debt rises, study says

Over 100 people killed in Gaza in 24 hours, officials say, marking deadliest day in a week

‘Prolific shoplifter’ linked to rash of incidents: Winnipeg police

U.S. tourist found dead in Spain nearly 1 month after reported missing

Alberta government says canola tariffs are a “devastating blow” to farmers

Russia's 'Doomsday Radio' emits signals last heard days before Putin invaded Ukraine

Russia to hold nuclear missile and Oreshnik doomsday drills on NATO doorstep

'I moved from America to the UK and gardening is so different in Britain'

Man caught smuggling 850 turtles worth £1million into Hong Kong in socks

Grieving mum finds body of daughter, 7, missing tongue and throat after autopsy

Conservative MP says federal inaction on wildfires led to Atlantic Canada forest bans

How Russia’s war on Ukraine led to crucial Trump-Putin summit - and why the stakes are so high

Bipartisan group plans to bring Epstein victims to capital to speak out on files and push Congress to release them

Video shows mangled train cars on top of each other after huge derailment

Second person dies after eating broccoli sandwiches amid botulism outbreak

Fox News host rages at rising Democrat for accusing him of abruptly ending interview

Don Jr says his family got into crypto after banks refused to do business after Jan 6 ‘nonsense’

Parents and child killed when tree falls on car amid heavy rain, flooding in Tennessee

Home of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ says human rights in the UK have worsened

JD Vance and Robert Jenrick deserve each other

More households take two-year mortgages as they go sub-5% for first time since Truss

Putin will do everything he can to outsmart Trump on Friday. Here’s how

‘Smartest’ A-level students in years to cut clearing spots for pupils missing grades

Britain, France and Germany threaten to reimpose sanctions on Iran as deadline nears

Firefighters continue to battle out-of-control wildfire in Halifax business park

Southern Europe wildfires leave 3 dead, thousands displaced

'I lost my son last year, my second lost his arm and my third died on Saturday'

Tourist trampled by raging elephant after trying to take selfie then handed fine

Putin 'same as Hitler' says war crimes detective who pieces together body parts

Student says 'I'd do it again' after court battle over paying parking ticket with cash

Footage shows chaos on board UK Ryanair flight as 'brawl sparked by crying baby sees police called and passengers held on the plane for an hour after landing'

The murder capital of the US and a former mayor on crack: DC’s history of crime problems

Trump eyes Ivanka for bizarre new White House gig despite her swearing off politics

Inside the remote military base where Trump and Putin will hold historic summit