**Ukraine’s Zelenskiy Seeks Pressure on Russia Amid Shift in US Stance**
In a bid to secure “a just peace”, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, seeking joint steps and pressure on Russia. This development comes as the international community grapples with the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
The conversation between Zelenskiy and Rutte highlights Ukraine’s growing concerns about the lack of decisive action from its Western allies in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Zelenskiy emphasized that coordinated decisions are crucial to making sanctions effective, and that a just peace cannot be achieved without pressure on Moscow.
**Trump’s Call with Putin Sparks Concerns**
The U.S. president’s phone call with Putin has left Ukraine and its allies reeling. Trump had previously insisted on an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, hoping to kickstart what promises to be long and tortuous peace talks. However, his decision to drop this demand has sent a worrying message – that the war is no longer his to fix.
This shift in stance leaves Ukraine vulnerable and its allies worried. The Ukrainian government had spent months trying to win over the Trump administration to their cause in the war started by Russia. Now, with the U.S. leader seemingly backing off, Ukraine finds itself at a critical juncture.
**A Message of Withdrawal**
Trump’s call with Putin appears to signal that the war is no longer his priority. This message has sent shockwaves through Ukraine and its allies, who had pinned their hopes on the U.S. president’s promise to end the conflict in 24 hours. The fact that Trump seems willing to hand over responsibility for resolving the crisis to others raises serious concerns about his commitment to finding a solution.
**Implications and Analysis**
The implications of Trump’s phone call with Putin are far-reaching and complex. By seeming to drop his insistence on a ceasefire, Trump has sent a message that he is no longer committed to resolving the conflict in Ukraine. This shift in stance will undoubtedly have significant consequences for the international community, including NATO and European allies.
As tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine, the world watches with bated breath. The question now is whether Western powers will step up their efforts to pressure Russia into securing a just peace. One thing is clear – without decisive action from its allies, Ukraine’s future hangs precariously in the balance.
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