Trump’s Ukrainian peace efforts inch forward

United States President Donald Trump first talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and it was revealed that Putin had agreed not to attack the infrastructure and energy facilities, and he was also ready for a 30-day partial ceasefire which included sparing the energy and infrastructure facilities.

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Then Trump spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Zelensky was all praise for Trump's peace initiatives, and he expressed his readiness to work “under the leadership of Trump” for peace. White House Press-Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump had told Zelensky that Americans would take over the electric and nuclear energy facilities in Ukraine, and the American ownership of these facilities would be a guarantee for their safety.

It appeared to be a “deal” in Trump's sense of the term, a business deal which helped move towards peace. Further talks are awaited in Saudi Arabia, between the Americans and Russians, and between Americans and Ukrainians. Trump is hopeful that he would be able to hammer out a 30-day initial ceasefire, which would prepare the way for further talks and an agreement on a full ceasefire.