A recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns in Ukraine and among its European allies. During the two-hour conversation, Trump reportedly signaled a reduced US role in the conflict, expressing hopes for "large-scale trade" with Russia once the "bloodbath" in Ukraine ends. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign policy adviser, the call was so amicable that neither leader wanted to hang up, marking a stark contrast to Trump's previously firm stance on Russian aggression.

In a call to European leaders after he had spoken to Putin, Trump signalled not only that he was disengaging, but that he also did not intend to apply additional pressure on Moscow while the bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine were under way, according to two people briefed on the conversation.

Trump and Putin appeared to have agreed that Russia and Ukraine would hold direct talks, continuing the negotiations in Istanbul from last Friday.

Zelenskyy reacted

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded swiftly, warning that US disengagement could leave Ukraine vulnerable. "It is crucial for all of us that the United States does not distance itself from the talks and the pursuit of peace, because the only one who benefits from that is Putin," he said in a statement. Trump reportedly suggested that the Vatican could take over as a mediator, indicating a significant shift in US foreign policy.

Escalating Battles in Eastern Ukraine

On the ground, the situation remains critical. Ukrainian military sources report intense fighting around Pokrovsk and Toretsk, with Russian forces pushing toward the administrative border of Donetsk. The highway serving as a vital supply route has come under repeated drone attacks, further complicating Ukrainian defense efforts. Analysts at the DeepState group described the situation as "unfavourable" for Kyiv, as Russian troops continue to advance.

Source: Financial Times