In Ukraine, apprehension about being ensnared by a Trump-Putin summit persists, as Moscow maintains its unwavering goals.
Ukraine and Russia Discuss Ceasefire Conditions in Donbass Region
In a significant development, Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, and Donald Trump, the former American President, discussed the potential for a ceasefire in the conflict-ridden Donbass region. The conversation took place on August 6, and was followed by a meeting in Kyiv on August 12, where Zelensky acknowledged the enthusiasm of all parties involved.
The discussion was part of a broader context of potential prospects for peace, and came as a first signal from the Kremlin regarding a ceasefire. According to reports, Russia is setting conditions for the proposed ceasefire. These conditions include Ukraine recognising Russian control over key territories in the Donbas region, including areas currently under Ukrainian control. Russia seeks to control all of the Donbas region, and has proposed freezing the frontline in other areas, effectively requiring Ukraine to cede territory that Russia already occupies.
Russia also demands significant limitations on Ukraine’s military and guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO. However, Zelensky has opposed any ceasefire arrangement that would freeze the conflict while Russia continues to occupy 22% of Ukraine’s territory. He has stated that a ceasefire should be full and unconditional, with the current lines of fighting serving only as a negotiation starting point. Security guarantees and the full withdrawal of Russian troops are key Ukrainian demands.
The situation on the front in the Donetsk region has significantly deteriorated recently, particularly around Pokrovsk and near Dobropillia. Russian troops are advancing rapidly near Dobropillia, and the area under Ukrainian control in the Donetsk region is about 9,000 km2, with Kyiv still controlling approximately 30% of the region, which Russia has been trying to conquer since 2014.
According to Steve Witkoff, territorial concessions from both sides are required for the ceasefire. Putin may want Ukraine to withdraw from the Donbass region, as suggested by Witkoff. However, it is important to note that the conversation did not result in an immediate ceasefire, and the facts provided are only about the conversation and its implications.
The meeting in Kyiv on August 12 included a group of journalists, including a correspondent from Liberation, further indicating the significance of the discussion. The conversation was about the results of Witkoff's visit to Moscow, and this was the first time the Kremlin had sent such a signal regarding a ceasefire. The ceasefire discussion marks a potential step towards resolving the long-standing conflict in the Donbass region.
The discussion between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump involved war-and-conflicts, as they were discussing a potential ceasefire in the Donbass region. Additionally, the conversation also touched upon politics and general news, with Russia setting conditions for the proposed ceasefire that include territorial concessions.
