There is growing analysis that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had accepted all demands in hopes of U.S. President Donald Trump's mediation role in peace talks with Russia, is experiencing increasing frustration due to a lack of results.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 20th (local time) that President Zelensky actively responded to U.S. demands in an effort to end the war that has lasted for more than three years, but "gained nothing" in return.
Previously, President Zelensky had been highly responsive to President Trump's proposals, conscious of his influence. He immediately accepted the "unconditional ceasefire proposal" that Trump suggested last month and even traveled to T?rkiye, expressing his willingness to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin directly. Despite controversy over its unfavorable terms for Ukraine, he also signed the "mineral agreement" demanded by the Trump administration.
However, after a two-hour phone call with President Putin on the 19th, President Trump appeared to lean toward Russia's position that negotiations should come before an immediate ceasefire. This was interpreted as a retreat from his own "unconditional ceasefire" stance.
President Trump emphasized direct dialogue between the two countries and mentioned the possibility of Vatican involvement in the negotiations, also stating that he would not participate in the talks if both sides could not reach an agreement. Even when Russia rejected the "unconditional ceasefire proposal," he only mentioned the possibility of additional sanctions rather than actually imposing them.
WSJ assessed that President Trump's actions "appear to support Russia's position that a ceasefire is only possible if Ukraine accepts all of Russia's conditions." With the United States stepping back, Ukraine now plans to request stronger sanctions against Russia from Europe.
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