Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will be speaking with former US President Donald Trump about the “next steps” following his recent call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky made the announcement during a press conference in Kyiv, where he discussed his phone call with Putin and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. The call between Zelensky and Putin took place on Tuesday, and was the first direct conversation between the two leaders in over two years.
During the call, Zelensky expressed his concerns about the escalating violence in eastern Ukraine, and called for a ceasefire and a return to negotiations to resolve the conflict. He also emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged Putin to respect the country’s borders.
Following the call, Zelensky said that he would be reaching out to Trump to discuss the situation and potential next steps. Trump has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine in the past, and has criticized Putin’s actions in the region.
Zelensky’s decision to involve Trump in the discussions reflects the importance of US support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The US has been a key ally for Ukraine in its efforts to push back against Russian aggression, and Trump’s involvement could help to further strengthen that partnership.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and began supporting separatist rebels in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The violence has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people, and efforts to reach a peaceful resolution have so far been unsuccessful.
Zelensky’s willingness to engage with both Putin and Trump in an effort to find a way forward demonstrates his commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. By involving key international partners in the discussions, he is seeking to leverage their support in order to advance Ukraine’s interests and bring an end to the violence.
As Zelensky moves forward with his discussions with Trump and Putin, the international community will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds. The conflict in eastern Ukraine remains a pressing issue, and a peaceful resolution is crucial for the stability and security of the region. By engaging with key stakeholders and seeking their support, Zelensky is taking important steps towards finding a way forward and bringing an end to the violence.
