EU nations respond to Trump-Putin conversation
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions regarding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, generating cautious optimism among EU states. The Kremlin reported that Putin instructed his troops...
TroibNews 
On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin engaged in discussions regarding a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, generating cautious optimism among EU states.
The Kremlin reported that Putin instructed his troops to stop strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for a duration of 30 days. Additionally, the Russian leader announced that Moscow and Kyiv will participate in a prisoner swap on Wednesday.
Leaders from France and Germany welcomed the dialogue but emphasized the continued need to support Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated at a Berlin press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, “The next step must be a complete ceasefire for Ukraine and as quickly as possible. Of course it is clear that we both agree on this too.” He further asserted Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, insisting they “will not let [Kyiv] down,” according to Reuters.
Macron referred to Russia’s agreement to cease strikes on energy facilities as “a good start” in the peace process, adding, “We will continue to support the Ukrainian army in its war of resistance against Russian aggression.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto hailed the Trump-Putin call as “great news” for Europe. He remarked on Facebook, “Today, the American and Russian presidents have made another big step towards peace, and we hope that Brussels will not be able to prevent the peace agreement from being reached.” He expressed hope that both parties would honor the pause on strikes targeting energy infrastructure.
Some EU officials had previously voiced concerns that Trump might negotiate a deal unfavorable to Ukraine without its knowledge. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, noted on Monday that “Russia cannot really be trusted.”
Both Trump and Putin characterized the talks as productive and beneficial in the effort to resolve the Ukraine conflict. During their 2.5-hour conversation, Putin cautioned Trump that Ukraine had “repeatedly sabotaged and violated agreements” in the past. He also voiced concerns regarding the U.S. proposal for a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire, particularly about oversight of its execution.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
The Kremlin reported that Putin instructed his troops to stop strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for a duration of 30 days. Additionally, the Russian leader announced that Moscow and Kyiv will participate in a prisoner swap on Wednesday.
Leaders from France and Germany welcomed the dialogue but emphasized the continued need to support Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated at a Berlin press conference alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, “The next step must be a complete ceasefire for Ukraine and as quickly as possible. Of course it is clear that we both agree on this too.” He further asserted Germany’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, insisting they “will not let [Kyiv] down,” according to Reuters.
Macron referred to Russia’s agreement to cease strikes on energy facilities as “a good start” in the peace process, adding, “We will continue to support the Ukrainian army in its war of resistance against Russian aggression.”
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto hailed the Trump-Putin call as “great news” for Europe. He remarked on Facebook, “Today, the American and Russian presidents have made another big step towards peace, and we hope that Brussels will not be able to prevent the peace agreement from being reached.” He expressed hope that both parties would honor the pause on strikes targeting energy infrastructure.
Some EU officials had previously voiced concerns that Trump might negotiate a deal unfavorable to Ukraine without its knowledge. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, noted on Monday that “Russia cannot really be trusted.”
Both Trump and Putin characterized the talks as productive and beneficial in the effort to resolve the Ukraine conflict. During their 2.5-hour conversation, Putin cautioned Trump that Ukraine had “repeatedly sabotaged and violated agreements” in the past. He also voiced concerns regarding the U.S. proposal for a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire, particularly about oversight of its execution.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
