Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks: Following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Vatican during Pope Francis’s funeral, US President Donald Trump raised doubts over Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is unsure regarding Putin’s commitment to ending the Ukraine conflict. Trump has also strongly condemned recent Russian missile strikes targeting Ukrainian civilian areas, as per a report by CNN.
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 26, 2025
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that sanctions might be considered against Moscow after witnessing Russia’s renewed aggression. He questioned whether Putin truly wants to pursue peace, commenting that the recent attacks indicated otherwise. ”Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war…and has to be dealt with differently, through banking or secondary sanctions,” Trump stated, expressing concern over the continued loss of innocent lives.
Trump criticises Obama for Crimea
Trump also sharply criticised former President Barack Obama in his social media post. He accused him of enabling Russia’s annexation of Crimea without resistance. The US President argued that major media outlets, especially The New York Times and journalist Peter Baker, have been biased in targeting him while ignoring what he termed as Obama’s failures.
”No matter what deal I make with respect to Russia and Ukraine, The Falling New York Times will speak badly about it, ”Trump mentioned. He highlighted that he was not responsible for the current conflict, adding, ”This is Sleepy Joe Biden’s war, not mine.” Trump highlighted that during his presidency, he provided Ukraine with defensive weapons like Javelins, while Obama only sent humanitarian aid.
Good meeting. We discussed a lot one on one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out. Very symbolic meeting that has potential to… pic.twitter.com/q4ZhVXCjw0
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 26, 2025
Zelenskky on meeting with Trump
Describing his meeting with Trump as ”good’, Zelenskky stated discussions were based on securing a ”full and unconditional ceasefire” and ensuring lasting peace. ”Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic,” Zelenskyy posted on X, conveying optimism for meaningful outcomes.
Meanwhile, Russia‘s President Putin has met separately with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff at the Kremlin. According to Russian officials, the three-hour meeting was ”constructive and very useful”. Both countries are reportedly narrowing their differences not just on Ukraine but on other international issues as well.
(With inputs from ANI)