EU points to paradox in Trump-Putin conversation
After a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, many questions always remain unanswered, stated EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, The Guardian reports.
Kallas noted that peace talks on Ukraine appear to be "stalling," and it is unclear whether any meaningful progress was achieved during Trump’s phone call with Putin.
"When we see these calls between President Trump and President Putin, always there are a lot of questions unanswered," she said.
Kallas also pointed to a paradox in these talks, noting that Russia openly praises Iran’s "heroic fight" against the United States.
She added that the EU would like to see greater pressure applied to Russia and "we didn’t see that in that call."
Earlier, the diplomat said the EU is assessing the requirements to impose on Russia after the war before it can engage in meaningful negotiations with Moscow.
Trump-Putin call
On April 29, US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held another phone call.
One of the main topics of discussion was a potential settlement of Russia’s war against Ukraine. They also discussed the situation in Iran and the Persian Gulf.
Trump, in turn, stressed the importance of ending the fighting between Russia and Ukraine. The US leader said contacts with both Moscow and Kyiv would continue.
Putin claimed that Russian forces are holding "the strategic initiative" on the battlefield and are pushing Ukrainian troops back from their positions. He also said that since the beginning of the year, Russia has transferred more than 20,000 bodies of dead soldiers to Ukraine, while Ukraine has returned "just over 500" to Russia.
Separately, Putin warned that the goals of the war "will be achieved in any case."
Putin also reportedly informed Trump of his readiness to declare a ceasefire during the May 9 celebrations. The US President supported the initiative.
