Media: Trump’s call with Putin raises concerns over US role in Ukraine conflict

A recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised concerns among European leaders, who had hoped for a breakthrough in Ukraine's ongoing conflict.

Trump’s comments following the two-hour conversation have led to fears that the US may be retreating from its efforts to end the war, leaving Ukraine and its allies without strong support, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

In the social media post following the call, Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia would “immediately start negotiations” toward a ceasefire, but suggested that the US might not be directly involved. “There is no deadline, and there can’t be one,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov added, highlighting the lack of a firm timeline for peace talks. No sanctions were threatened, and Trump did not push for a ceasefire or impose new penalties on Russia.

One unnamed European official expressed concerns, saying that Trump seemed to be disengaging from the diplomatic effort, and had made it clear that he did not want to impose additional sanctions or follow through on his previous ceasefire proposal. Another official argued that Trump's plan for direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv allowed Putin to buy time, with the Russian demands presented in Istanbul last week indicating no intention to make concessions.

Kristine Berzina, managing director at the German Marshall Fund, stated, “Putin won himself more opportunities, and a ceasefire and a resolution seem ever further away.” These sentiments were echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who reiterated Ukraine’s readiness for a full, unconditional ceasefire, adding that if Russia refuses to cease hostilities, “there must be stronger sanctions.”

Trump, who had previously shown a more assertive stance on securing peace, said the conflict should remain a European issue, declaring, “This is a European situation. It should have remained a European situation.” His comments have raised doubts about the US’ future involvement, especially as bipartisan support in Congress grows for harsher sanctions on Russia.

While Trump described his conversation with Putin as “excellent” and “very useful,” the lack of tangible progress and continued Russian military advances in Ukraine suggest that peace remains elusive. Trump also suggested that the Vatican could play a role in hosting peace negotiations, but it remains unclear whether his approach will shift the course of the conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva