On Monday night (18/8/25), Donald Trump smiled at the lens, alongside the Ukrainian president and European leaders, proud that he arranges to bring Putin to the table with Zelenski and then discussing all three of him. Ukraine.
Even if he manages to do so, of course, the hardships will not be over for the burning issue of Ukraine. On the contrary …
As the Wall Street Journal typically points out even if the Russian leader supports an agreement, it is likely to follow skepticism, as Moscow has been violated in the past promises that he will not attack Ukraine
Initially, it will not be easy for Russian President Vladimir Putin to be in a room and Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski. But the negotiation of a truce – let alone a constant peace that will prevent Russia from invading Ukraine again – will be one Even more diplomatic challenge than Trump has faced so far.
There will be questions about whether the lines of the front have to freeze in other areas of Ukraine, what will be the role – if there is – of European countries either at the negotiating table or in a reassurance force that will protect Kiev in the long run and of course, of course, What security guarantees from Europe and the US want Zelenski that Putin can accept.
Skepticism
Even if Putin supports an agreement, there will be strong skepticism as to whether he will keep his promises, as Russia has violated official commitments not to invade Ukraine.
“Is he prepared to let the rest of Ukraine leave? Is he ready to recognize that he has lost Ukraine forever? ” Charles Kouppsan, who was responsible for European affairs at the National Security Council of former President Barack Obama, asked. “We need answers to these questions to determine if Putin just saves time or negotiates in good faith.”
A meeting between Putin and Zelenski for the first time since 2019 would be dramatic if it is finally done in the coming days. The form and time of the meeting are not yet clear, but if the high profile meeting takes place, This would only mean that the most difficult phase of the negotiations just started – And without any success guarantee.
“The next steps are the most complicated now,” German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz told Trump during Monday’s Summit with Zelenski and leading European leaders, offering a more sober appreciation amidst the White House.
Trump acknowledged that the end of the war between Ukraine and Russia was more difficult than he expected, since during the election campaign had boasted that he could complete a deal in 24 hours. The conflict, which began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea by Russia and included years of low conflict before Moscow begins the full invasion of 2022, has evolved into a distinctive battle worldwideopposing a nuclear -equipped attacker against a smaller, former satellite state who wishes to be more aligned with Europe.
The conclusion of a constant agreement that will put an end to bloodshed will be a diplomatic achievement for Trump, which may determine his presidential heritage. However, in a harsh indication of the difficulty of the project, Russia launched deadly attacks on Ukraine on the night before Zelenski’s visit to the White House on Monday, as well as attacks with drones and rockets
Moscow also said on Monday that any peacekeeping effort involving NATO members, a proposal proposed by Europeans and is considered by Zelenski critical to Ukraine’s survival is unacceptable.
Four days of negotiations, in which Trump hosted Putin on a military base in Alaska and Zelenski in Washington, already show that The warring sides remain far away from a peace agreement.
According to an agreement proposed by Putin during his meeting with Trump on Friday, Ukraine will hand over the eastern area of Donbas, including Donetsk’s parts that are still controlled by the Ukrainian forces. Ukraine has repeatedly stated that its constitution forbids it from delivering ground to Russia and is busy with the construction of strong fortifications that extend to hundreds of kilometers across the area of Donbas, an area about the size of western Virginia.
Putin threw the “ball” in Ukraine
Some European officials believe that Putin’s requirements were carefully calculated to cause Ukraine to be rejectedpostponing responsibility for the failure of negotiations in Kiev and allowing Russia to continue the war without a reaction from Washington.
Three days later, Zelenski called on Russia to accept a truce that would allow the interruption of hostilities while the talks would continue, a position supported by some of the European leaders who participated in the meeting with Trump. Putin rejected the immediate cessation of hostilities, and Trump said it was not necessary for peace talks, arguing that wars are often resolved while hostilities continue.
Zelenski said he was pleased that Trump is open to the possibility of the United States uniting with European countries to provide security guarantees in Kiev, probably in the form of a security force stationed in Ukraine. However, according to government officials, US forces will not have a permanent presence in Ukraine, although the exact form of US support – or the final composition of the force – remains unclear.
Trump said in an interview with Fox & Friends on Tuesday that European countries would be willing to send troops to the region and that the US would assist in these efforts, probably from the air.
“As for security, they are willing to send troops,” Trump said. “We are willing to help them, especially – probably if you can discuss it by air, because no one else has the means we have.”
When asked what guarantees can give that the US will not send troops, Trump replied: “Well, you have my assurance, and I am the president.”
The huge gap between Kiev and Moscow would normally decrease before organizing a high -level meeting between Putin and Zelenski. The US president has also doubted his position, shaking Putin’s part in Alaska, who does not accept the ceasefire, and withdrawing the threat of sanctions, and a few days later supported Ukraine’s long -term defense with Ukraine.
Trump’s plan
Trump’s current plan is to meet Putin and Zelenski in private before he met them for a trilateral summit, even though the Kremlin did not commit to this figure on Monday. However, a trilateral meeting could be the appropriate framework for Trump, framed by the two leaders, reveal his final goal: to achieve the best possible deal for Ukraine or put an end to the war above all.
The lack of clarity in terms of diplomatic strategy is only an example of that the peace process that Trump started “is backward”, because any agreement would be unclear without first paying attention to the details, said Jim Townsend, a former senior official to the Pentagon.
“I hope that hard work will be done before meeting, so that all the two enemies have to do is agree on a piece of paper and not have to negotiate something face to face,” he added. “The devil hides in the details.”