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International Pressure on Russia Amid Upcoming Talks
The leaders of the UK and France are calling on President Vladimir Putin of Russia to demonstrate his commitment to a peace agreement regarding Ukraine. This appeal comes just ahead of scheduled talks between Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
French President Emmanuel Macron commended the resolve shown by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in accepting the terms of a ceasefire. He emphasized that it is now Russia’s turn to reciprocate. “We have witnessed enough loss of life, enough devastation. The violence must cease,” Macron expressed in a statement on X.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed this sentiment, urging Putin to agree to “a full and unconditional ceasefire immediately.” He conveyed to Members of Parliament that he has observed “no indication” that Putin is genuinely invested in pursuing peace. Lammy warned that the UK and its allies possess “additional options” to compel Russia to engage in serious negotiations.
In a slightly optimistic tone, the White House indicated that the prospect of peace in Ukraine is currently more achievable than ever. On the eve of the Trump-Putin discussions, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed the media that Trump is “committed” to facilitating a resolution.
Leavitt outlined potential topics for the upcoming talks, highlighting a critical power facility located on the border between Russia and Ukraine. “There’s a power plant that is up for discussion with the Ukrainians, and he will address it in his call with Putin tomorrow,” she stated. This reference is likely to concern the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control since March 2022, igniting concerns over the potential for nuclear incidents due to ongoing military operations nearby.
Regarding possible concessions during the ceasefire negotiations, Trump mentioned that discussions would likely include “land” and “power plants,” suggesting that deliberations about partitioning certain resources are already underway.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting on the specific agendas for the dialogue, noting, “we never do that.” Although Putin has previously expressed support for a ceasefire, he has outlined a series of conditions necessary for peace, adding layers of complexity to the negotiations.
One contentious area remains the Western Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces executed a military operation last August and gained ground. Russia has intensified efforts to regain control over this territory in recent weeks, with Putin asserting that it is now fully secured.
Additionally, he has raised concerns regarding how any ceasefire would be enforced along the eastern frontline, specifically opposing the presence of NATO troops in the region.
Recent discussions involving Ukrainian and American representatives in Saudi Arabia have led to a peace proposal, with initial agreements for a 30-day ceasefire. Ukraine has indicated its willingness to accept these terms.
During a meeting on Tuesday, President Macron and newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed their nations’ steadfast support for Ukraine, insisting on “unequivocal commitments” from Russia in this ongoing conflict.
Source
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