Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that he told US President Donald Trump, “Putin is bluffing,” during high-level talks with European leaders and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The four-sided meeting focused on security cooperation, air defense, and rebuilding efforts. Zelensky said Ukraine and the US agreed on different principles, including a ceasefire, security guarantees, and American participation in the peace process. He stressed that sanctions must be imposed if Russia rejects a ceasefire, calling them “very effective” despite Kremlin claims. “Putin doesn’t want peace, he wants to occupy our country,” Zelensky said.
Trump said to have told Zelensky land swaps will be needed
United States President Donald Trump told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky during their call earlier today that territorial exchanges between Russia and Ukraine will be needed to achieve a peace deal, Axios reported on Wednesday. On the other hand, the US president stressed that he cannot make final decisions on territorial issues because he’s “not from the region.” The alleged remark echoes similar statements previously made by Trump, stressing the importance of direct negotiations between Moscow and Kiev in achieving a lasting solution to the long-standing conflict. “Trump said it’s [Russian President] Vladimir [Putin] and Volodymyr who have to discuss territories with each other, not him,” two sources familiar with the call between the presidents were quoted as saying.
Zelensky, however, expressed belief that Putin is “bluffing,” adding that increased pressure on Moscow is needed to bring the war to an end.