Trump Advocates for a Political Agreement with Moscow, Levels Allegations towards Zelensky - Trump advocates for a Turkish alliance and alleges Zelensky of obstruction.
Revamped Facts at a Glance: Trump Pushes for Deal with Moscow, Slams Zelensky's Provocations
Bolder and more succinct
Trump Senses Deal with Russia, Blasts Zelensky's Prolonging Tactics
U.S. President trumpets a possible agreement with Moscow, whilst castigating President Zelensky's tactical maneuvers.
Trump, the flamboyant U.S. President, confidently declares a potential deal with Russia to end the Ukraine conflict within sight. "I've got my eye on a deal with Russia," Trump boasts in Washington. "Zelensky needs to get on board," he asserts, referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Recently, Trump took aim at Zelensky, accusing him of deliberate attempts to elongate the conflict via inflammatory statements. Regardless, Zelensky maintains his stance, reiterating his country's willingness to give up the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia, for peace.
Zelensky, in a statement posted on Telegram and the X platform, states, "Ukraine will always act in accordance with our constitution, confident that our allies – especially the U.S. – will uphold their strong decisions." He attached the U.S.'s Crimea Declaration of 2018, emphasizing Russia's withdrawal from the Crimea, legally part of Ukraine.
Trump alleges that Zelensky's refusal is prolonging the war. "If he wants the Crimea, why didn't they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot?" Trump penned on his Truth Social platform. He views such provocative remarks as detrimental to peace negotiations with Russia.
Later, Trump suggests negotiating with Zelensky might be a challenge, remarking, "So far, it's been tougher, but hey, that's okay." He leaves room for a potential meeting with Zelensky during the funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis in Rome on Saturday.
Trump: Ukraine Might Lose More Territory
Trump issues a warning to Zelensky, asserting that he could lose more territory given the precarious situation. "He can have peace, or he can continue fighting for another three years before losing the entire country," the U.S. President stated. He considers Zelensky a man with no cards and advises him to accept a peace deal.
Russia insists on Ukraine giving up the Crimea and four other regions as a prerequisite for achieving peace in the ongoing war. Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stressed, in an interview with the French magazine "Le Point," that Ukrainian troops would need to withdraw from the territories annexed by Russia if Kyiv wanted peace with Moscow.
Zelensky Heads to South Africa
Zelensky is set to travel to South Africa today to explore peace opportunities. Media outlets in Pretoria report that the visit will build on ongoing mediation talks. South Africa has been the leading force behind an African peace initiative for the Ukraine conflict since June 2023. Bilateral relations between the two countries will also be discussed. Zelensky shared photos of his airport arrival on Telegram.
Once again, overnight, Russia strikes with drones, targeting Kyiv. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported residential buildings and cars were set on fire in several districts. A residential building was destroyed, with residents trapped under the wreckage. At least two people were killed and 54 injured, with 38 hospitalized, including six children. Klitschko exhorts residents to remain in shelters. Ukrainian media reported air strikes in other parts of the country, with "Ukrajinska Prawda" reporting intense Russian shelling. Explosions ensued in several cities. "Increasingly loud all over the country." Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's invasion for over three years.
London Engages in Advisory Talks
On Wednesday, discussions took place in London at an advisory level about a possible peace in Ukraine. No concrete results were revealed post-talks. Zelensky acknowledges the emotionally-charged day, particularly regarding the dispute over the Crimea. He also applauds the talks between representatives of Ukraine, the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany, which bring peace closer. "We appreciate our partners," states Zelensky.
Zelensky's chief of staff, Andrij Yermak, wrote after the meeting with the U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg in London, "We've conveyed our position, stressing the importance of an immediate, complete, and unconditional ceasefire as the first step towards starting negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace." Ukraine plans to defend its position at all costs during negotiations.
In other news, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow again this week for consultations with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war. U.S. news site "Axios" claims Witkoff will meet with Putin on Friday. Witkoff has previously made several trips to Russia for personal talks with Putin. Their last encounter was on April 11 in St. Petersburg.
Donald TrumpVolodymyr ZelenskyUkraineUS PresidentRussiaMoscowKyivCrimeaSouth AfricaUSAWashingtonTelegramPartnersLondonVitali KlitschkoPope FrancisRome
Insights:
Current Negotiations and Positions on Ukraine Conflict
- Trump advocates for a rapid ceasefire agreement before comprehensive peace negotiations, aiming to halt hostilities immediately as a priority step.
- Ukraine-European proposal encompasses implementing a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and economic cooperation agreement, reflecting Trump's emphasis on bilateral economic partnerships.
- Zelensky emphasizes a ceasefire as a fundamental step, followed by negotiations on persistent issues, including territorial disputes.
- Crimea annexation rejection remains a fundamental sticking point, with Ukraine continuing to refuse acknowledging Russian claims.
- Russia is adamantly opposed to preconditions for peace negotiations, specifically resolute ceasefire agreements, and continues to assert Russian sovereignty over Crimea.
Key Proposal Details: (April 23 Ukrainian-European Plan)
- Immediate Ceasefire: Full air, sea, and land cessation, monitored by a U.S.-led coalition.
- Security Architecture: Ad hoc European-led guarantees, allowing unfettered military modernization and foreign troop deployments in Ukraine.
- Negotiation Framework: Technical talks involving the U.S. and EU to implement ceasefire terms.
Recent Developments:
- Multilateral Talks: Discussions in London on April 23 focused on unifying peace frameworks that encompass US and European guarantees.
- Military Activity: Continuous fighting near Kurakhove and southwest Donetsk highlights the urgency of ceasefire efforts amid ongoing attrition.
Outlook: Ukraine and Europe are pushing for U.S.-backed security measures, while Russia resists preconditions, resulting in the deadlock over territorial disputes and Crimea recognition.
- Trump reaffirms his stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for a swift ceasefire, with peace negotiations to follow, while criticizing Zelensky for prolonging the conflict through inflammatory statements.
- In response, Zelensky doubles down on his commitment to resolving the conflict, reiterating Ukraine's refusal to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, as demonstrated by his sharing of the U.S.'s Crimea Declaration of 2018 on his Telegram platform.
- As tensions continue to escalate, both Trump and Zelensky face challenges in finding a peaceful resolution, with Russia adamant about Ukraine giving up Crimea and four other regions as a prerequisite for peace.
- Despite the ongoing disagreements, Zelensky heads to South Africa in his quest for peace opportunities, as the continent continues to engage in mediation talks regarding the Ukraine conflict.
