High-Stakes Call: Will Peace Talks End Ukraine War?
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday to push for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The call follows recent diplomatic efforts, with Trump declaring: "We're doing pretty well with Russia… A lot of work's been done over the weekend." 🕊️
Central to the discussion? Redrawing territorial lines and control of nuclear power plants. Trump noted Ukraine has already accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal—but as Zhao Junjie, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told CGTN: "Negotiating land exchanges remains one of the most challenging aspects." 🌍
A Zero-Sum Game?
Zhao likened the talks to a high-stakes chess match. Any territorial compromise could spark public outrage in Ukraine. Meanwhile, both sides face mounting pressure: Russia’s economy strains under sanctions, while Ukraine suffers daily troop losses. "Seeking peace has become necessary," Zhao stressed.
From Riyadh to Istanbul: The Road to Diplomacy
Recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye focused on rebuilding bilateral ties and conflict resolution. While Moscow demands its "illegally seized" diplomatic properties back, Washington eyes broader cooperation on nuclear arms and EU tensions. 🤝
Trump and Putin previously agreed to "eliminate root causes" of the conflict. Could this week’s call signal a breakthrough? Zhao thinks so—if compromises emerge: "The U.S. and Russia could be entering a new era of global cooperation." But if talks stall, peace remains distant.
