URGENT UPDATE: Russian President Vladimir Putin and former US President Donald Trump have officially rejected a European-Ukrainian proposal for a temporary ceasefire, according to a statement from the Kremlin. This critical development comes just ahead of Trump’s upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Miami.
The Kremlin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, revealed that a phone call between Putin and Trump, lasting one hour and 15 minutes, was initiated by Trump. Ushakov emphasized that both leaders share concerns that a temporary ceasefire would merely extend the conflict, stating, “The option of a temporary ceasefire proposed by the Ukrainians and the Europeans… leads to a prolongation of the conflict and is fraught with renewed hostilities.”
This latest stance from Russia underscores the urgency of the situation in Donbas, where Russia controls approximately 90 percent of the territory. Ushakov insisted that for hostilities to cease, Ukraine must make a “bold decision” regarding its military presence in the region. “Given the current situation on the fronts, it would make sense for the Ukrainian regime to make this decision regarding Donbas,” he added.
As the conflict continues, Russia has been advancing rapidly, capturing 12-17 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory daily in 2025. Ukraine, alongside its European allies, is increasingly alarmed by Trump’s potential shift in policy, fearing he might prioritize negotiations with Russia over Ukrainian sovereignty. This concern is compounded by Trump’s history of negotiating with Russia, involving his envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Ushakov noted that Trump is keen on ending the war, discussing the “impressive prospects for economic cooperation” between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine that could emerge post-conflict. However, Ukraine’s leaders remain wary, fearing that they might be left to shoulder the burden of rebuilding their country while Europe bears the financial costs.
This developing situation highlights the critical decisions facing Ukraine and the broader implications for European security. As tensions rise, all eyes will be on the upcoming meeting in Miami, where the future of Ukraine and its relationship with both the US and Russia will be at stake.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent matter as the situation unfolds.
