President Trump Pushes for Ukraine Ceasefire While Putin Stalls for Advantage

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President Trump’s planned call with Vladimir Putin has set off new concerns among Ukraine’s allies. While the White House continues to promote the idea of a Ukraine ceasefire, Russian officials are signaling no intention to pause fighting. Instead, Moscow appears determined to continue its offensive until full control is secured over four contested Ukrainian regions.

Trump has made no secret of his desire to end the war quickly. He says the United States will push for a 30-day ceasefire and is prepared to impose additional sanctions if Russia fails to engage. But European leaders and Ukrainian officials worry the White House may push too hard, too fast, and strike a deal that leaves Ukraine with diminished territory and limited security guarantees.

Putin Sees No Need to Stop Now

Despite Trump’s optimism, Russia has no clear incentive to halt operations. Putin believes his forces are making steady progress and is confident they can break Ukrainian resistance in Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson before the year ends. These four regions are central to Moscow’s territorial claims and remain heavily contested.

Russian officials offered no signs of flexibility during recent talks in Istanbul. Instead, they reiterated their demand that Ukraine withdraw from the regions in question. Putin’s negotiating position appears designed to buy time, sustain battlefield momentum, and avoid meaningful compromise.

While Trump plans to brief NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after the call, many worry the discussion will be shaped by Putin’s narrative. Analysts believe the Russian leader will present himself as open to dialogue while refusing to make any real concessions.

European Leaders Push Back

Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom have all urged Trump not to settle for vague assurances. On Friday, several leaders warned him that Russia is using the negotiations to stall while consolidating control in the field. They want Trump to maintain pressure, not reward intransigence.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz both support Trump’s ceasefire plan in principle. But they insist the Kremlin must first demonstrate good faith. So far, that has not happened. Instead, Russia escalated attacks over the weekend, launching its largest drone barrage since the war began.

European officials are also concerned about what comes next if talks collapse. Some believe Trump may lose interest and shift focus elsewhere. Others worry he might accept a flawed peace to claim a quick diplomatic win.

Kyiv’s Position Is Fraying

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy enters the week in a difficult position. After more than three years of war, public morale is low and military fatigue is growing. Russian advances have been slow but costly, and Ukraine’s defense capabilities remain under strain.

Zelenskiy and his advisors say any ceasefire must include a full Russian withdrawal. However, they acknowledge that if U.S. support wavers, holding that line may become harder. Ukraine has counted on Washington not only for weapons but also for diplomatic cover. That support now feels uncertain.

During a recent meeting in Vatican City, Zelenskiy told U.S. Vice President JD Vance that peace cannot come at the cost of sovereignty. European diplomats present at the event described the mood as tense and resigned, with many fearing Ukraine will be pressured into accepting Russian terms.

Sanctions Remain the Last Card

Trump has publicly stated that Russia will face more sanctions if it continues to reject ceasefire proposals. Sources close to the White House say a draft bill led by Senator Lindsey Graham could move forward next week if talks stall. European officials believe Trump may use this threat to push Putin toward a deal.

Still, Putin seems unconcerned. Kremlin advisors believe Trump is eager to claim a diplomatic breakthrough and may hesitate to follow through on punitive measures. That assumption could backfire if the talks fail and new sanctions gain bipartisan backing in Congress.

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