Revised Article
Planned Call Between Donald Trump and Putin Disclosed - Ukraine Criticizes Russia Over Bus Assault Incident
In a bid to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to speak separately with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, immediately following Zelenskyy's condemnation of Russia for civilian casualties resulting from a drone attack in northeastern Ukraine.
Trump confirmed that he would speak to Putin over the phone and then discuss the matter with Zelenskyy and "various members of NATO." In an enthusiastic post, Trump expressed hope that the day would be productive, a ceasefire would be established, and the brutal war that should never have happened would come to an end. He ended with a heartfelt, "God Bless Us All!!"
Following a Russian drone attack in Bilopillia, the town has declared a mourning period lasting until Monday, as nine civilians lost their lives, and seven more were injured. The bus the civilians were evacuating from a frontline area was targeted, according to Ukrainian authorities. Tragically, among the dead were a father, mother, and daughter.
The attack was condemned by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who expressed feeling appalled at the incident. He emphasized that if Putin was genuinely seeking peace, Russia must agree to a full and immediate ceasefire, as Ukraine had already done.
Russia and Ukraine held peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, just hours before the drone attack. Although no truce was agreed upon, both countries agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners in their largest prisoner exchange to date. The exchange could occur as early as the following week, according to Ukraine's intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, who made the statement on national television.
However, tensions remain high, with a source from the Kyiv delegation revealing that during the talks, Russia threatened "eternal war." Moreover, Russia proposed terms for a ceasefire that include the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from several oblasts, international recognition of Crimea and the four occupied regions as Russian territories, and Ukraine adopting a neutral status, prohibiting any allied troops from being stationed there.
The Kremlin declined to comment on the matter, while the Russian position has also been criticized by the French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his disappointment at Putin's cynicism and urged strong US reaction. The European Union is also working on a new package of sanctions against Moscow.
With ongoing support from its allies, Ukraine is keen on tough sanctions against Russia if it refuses to accept a full ceasefire.
Enrichment Data:The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been marked by escalating tensions and failed ceasefire attempts. Key points in the most recent talks include Russia's demand for control over certain Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, as well as Ukraine adopting a neutral status. The US has presented a peace plan containing provisions for Russian control over Crimea and security guarantees from European states, but these conditions have been rejected by Moscow. Russia has been accused of committing war crimes, leading to calls for tougher sanctions against the country.
In the face of continuing Russia-Ukraine tensions and failed peace talks, the United States has proposed a peace plan that includes Russian control over Crimea and security guarantees from European states. However, this plan has been rejected by Moscow, leading to calls for tougher sanctions, as the ongoing conflict continues to result in civilian casualties and violations of international law. The European Union is currently working on a new package of sanctions against Russia in response to its refusal to accept a full ceasefire and its alleged commission of war crimes.
