Following a discussion between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s deputy chairman of the Security Council, declared that the conversation had pulled the world back from the "brink of Apocalypse." Medvedev criticized the United States for its role in the conflict, asserting its actions nearly "wiped humanity off the face of the earth." He omitted mention of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, instead framing the situation as a U.S.-led "hybrid war" against Russia. Medvedev cautioned that failure to recognize this would lead to further escalation.
Former President Trump's subsequent announcement on Truth Social that peace negotiations would begin "immediately" generated considerable international reaction. This followed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement that Ukraine's NATO membership was unlikely. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed concern, stating that conceding to Russia's demands before negotiations even begin is unwise and that any lasting peace requires the full participation of both Europeans and Ukrainians. Kallas emphasized the need for strength in dealing with Putin, arguing that a disadvantageous agreement for Ukraine would also negatively impact the U.S. and embolden China.
NATO defense ministers echoed these sentiments, with Lithuania Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene highlighting the choice between accepting a potentially dangerous Trump-Putin solution or Europe taking the lead in resolving the conflict. Estonia Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur underscored that peace cannot be achieved without Ukraine's involvement and self-determination regarding negotiations.
While the Kremlin indicated Putin's willingness to host international leaders, including Trump, in Moscow, European leaders reiterated their concern, stressing the necessity of EU and Ukrainian involvement in any peace discussions. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that Ukraine must be central to any negotiations, a point reinforced by a joint statement from seven European leaders. They asserted that their shared goal is to empower Ukraine and ensure their participation in any negotiations about the country's future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to consider territorial exchanges for peace and confirmed a conversation with Trump following the latter's call with Putin, focusing on establishing a "lasting, reliable peace."
