Trump and Putin Talk: Russia Vows to Retaliate Against Ukraine Attack
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (June 4) and Trump described the call as "not immediately leading to peace in Ukraine," while Putin warned of a "retaliation" against Ukraine's attack on a Russian bomber base. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Russia's proposed negotiation terms were "unacceptable ultimatums."
According to AFP, Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform stating that he had a "good conversation" with Putin, but this conversation would not immediately bring peace to Ukraine.
Trump added: "Putin strongly stated that there must be a response to Ukraine's recent attacks on multiple Russian military airbases." He revealed that the call lasted for "one hour and fifteen minutes."
Despite previously expressing dissatisfaction with Putin over Russia's deadly attacks on Ukraine, Trump did not show any dissatisfaction during this conversation with Putin. On May 26, Trump publicly called Putin "completely crazy," although he claimed to have a "special relationship" with Putin.
The Kremlin described the phone conversation between the two leaders as "positive and productive," and stated that they decided to "maintain continuous contact."
AFP reported that Trump's call with Putin foreshadowed an escalation in the situation in Ukraine, which was contrary to Trump's previous promise of achieving "quick peace" through his mediation. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the prospects for peace have remained distant.
Putin, speaking in a call with Pope John XIV, stated that the responsibility lies with Ukraine, and he is willing to achieve peace through "diplomatic" means. Putin also accused Kyiv of "seeking to escalate the conflict" and carrying out "attacks on civilian infrastructure within Russian territory."
"Ultimatum"
Two rounds of ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were held in Istanbul under American efforts but failed to narrow the gap.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Russia's proposed harsh conditions were "unacceptable ultimatums."
It was reported that at the second round of talks hosted by Turkey on Monday, Russia presented a list of demands to Ukraine, including withdrawing troops from four regions claimed to have been annexed by Moscow, Ukraine renouncing NATO membership, and limiting the size of its army.
Currently, Ukraine is at a disadvantage on the battlefield. Zelenskyy has been calling for unconditional ceasefires alongside European allies for weeks, but Russia has refused.
The Kremlin believes that an unconditional ceasefire would allow Ukraine to rearm with Western aid.
Putin accused Ukraine of orchestrating the explosions that caused three trains to derail last weekend in two regions bordering Russia, resulting in seven deaths and 113 injuries, including children.
He also rejected proposals for high-level negotiations with Ukraine and firmly opposed a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834038329426954/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's personal views.