Trump Wants Ukraine to Engage in Peace Discussions

(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to move rapidly away from its rigid negotiating stance in order to advance discussions aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. His remarks came ahead of trilateral talks in Geneva, Switzerland, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, following two earlier meetings in Abu Dhabi last month. Reports indicate that territorial disputes—particularly Ukraine’s insistence on retaining control of the Donbass region—continue to block progress toward a settlement.

When asked aboard Air Force One about his expectations for the Geneva talks, Trump said they would be “very big.” He added: “Ukraine better come to the table fast. That’s all I’m telling you… we want them to come.”

In contrast, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky reiterated at an international security forum that his country will not make territorial concessions, stating that it “would be an illusion to believe that this war can now be reliably ended by dividing Ukraine.” Zelensky called for increased military support from European allies and reaffirmed Ukraine’s bid to join NATO, a move Moscow has repeatedly identified as a red line.

US officials have indicated that only a small number of outstanding issues remain for discussion. One American diplomat noted that “the bad news is they’ve been narrowed to the hardest questions to answer,” highlighting the complexity of the remaining disputes.

From the Russian side, a Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that the delegation led by a presidential aide “intend to discuss a broader range of issues, including the main questions concerning territories... and those related to the demands we have,” signaling that Moscow aims to address both territorial and broader strategic concerns in the Geneva negotiations.

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