Trump senses peace, but Russia remains defiant: 'Putin has no interest in a ceasefire'

The two-hour phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin left mixed impressions. Trump immediately posted on Truth Social that negotiations for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia would begin shortly. However, according to Ukraine correspondent Chris Colijn, Russia still seems uninterested in a ceasefire. 'After three years, Putin is still repeating the same mantras.'

Putin emphasized after the call that 'the underlying causes of this crisis are the most important for Russia.' This implies that the reasons for the war's outbreak remain unchanged, says Colijn. Putin insists that Ukraine must demilitarize, denazify, and never join NATO. 'Nothing has changed in three years.'

Meanwhile, Trump claims that ceasefire negotiations can begin immediately, though he added he would withdraw if Ukraine and Russia fail to reach an agreement. In Ukraine, skepticism remains about Trump's optimistic approach.