A top US envoy met Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, just as former President Donald Trump called on Russia to “get moving” on a peace deal with Ukraine. At the same time, the UK and other allies pledged over £18 billion in new aid for Kyiv during a summit focused on ending the war.
Meeting Comes Amid Growing Pressure for Ceasefire
The high-level meeting between a representative of Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin took place in Moscow earlier this week, according to sources close to the matter. While the US government has not confirmed official details, the timing has raised questions. The UK has publicly accused Russia of delaying peace talks with Ukraine, even as international leaders push for a ceasefire.
The UK foreign secretary said on Thursday that President Putin “continues to drag his feet” and that “time is running out to end the suffering.”
Trump Steps Into the Spotlight
As the 2024 US presidential election draws closer, Donald Trump has increased his focus on global issues. Speaking from Florida, Trump said, “Russia needs to get moving. This war should have ended a long time ago. If I were president, there’d already be peace.”
Though Trump is not in office, his comments carry weight—especially after his envoy’s unexpected visit to Moscow. Analysts say the visit signals Trump’s desire to play a bigger role in resolving the conflict.
UK, EU, and Allies Pledge Fresh Support
At the international summit held in Brussels this week, the UK, EU nations, and other allies announced more than £18 billion (roughly $22.6 billion) in new aid for Ukraine. The funding includes weapons, humanitarian support, and infrastructure repairs.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said, “Ukraine is fighting for its survival. This aid package shows we stand united.”
The European Commission added that continued support for Ukraine will be “as long as it takes.”
Russia’s Stance Remains Firm
While the meeting with Trump’s envoy raised hopes of renewed diplomacy, the Kremlin has shown little sign of changing its stance. Russia’s foreign ministry said on Friday that peace would only come “on Moscow’s terms,” adding that any outside pressure would not change its position.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “We remain open to talks, but we will not accept ultimatums or interference.”
Ukraine Responds to Diplomatic Moves
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the fresh aid and praised the global unity. He did not comment directly on Trump’s remarks or the meeting in Moscow but emphasized that “peace must come through justice.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister also warned that “side meetings” without Ukraine’s involvement could delay real progress. “We must be at the table for any serious talks about ending this war,” he said during a press briefing.
What’s Next?
As international leaders debate the path to peace, conditions on the ground in Ukraine remain difficult. Russian missile strikes have continued in several eastern cities, while Ukraine’s forces have pushed back along key frontlines.
Military experts warn that without a ceasefire, the conflict could stretch well into 2025. Meanwhile, Trump’s involvement has added a new twist to an already complex situation.
Global Reactions and Analysis
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NATO Reaction: A NATO spokesperson said the alliance welcomes “all efforts” that bring peace closer but added that “unity among allies is key.”
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UN’s Position: The United Nations continues to push for humanitarian corridors and has called for an immediate ceasefire.
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Expert Insight: James Stavridis, retired US Navy admiral and former NATO commander, told NBC News, “Back-channel talks, even unofficial ones, can sometimes lay the groundwork for formal peace deals. But transparency matters.”
While aid for Ukraine continues to grow, pressure is mounting on all sides to reach a deal. With Trump now signaling his interest and his envoy meeting Putin, the political landscape may shift again.
