Russia Urges Ukraine to Make 'Brave Decision' on Donbas to End War

The Kremlin has called on Ukraine to make a 'brave decision' by withdrawing its troops from the Donbas region in order to 'end' the war, shortly before the meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump in Florida. Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that the phone call between Trump and Putin took place in a 'friendly atmosphere' and lasted one hour and fifteen minutes. According to Ushakov, both sides agree that the temporary ceasefire proposed by the EU and Ukraine will only result in prolonging the war. Trump and Putin agreed to continue their telephone conversations after the completion of the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting. Russia appears to be seeking to establish the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Donbas as a prerequisite for any peace process, an area that is the focus of hostilities. This position suggests that Moscow is unwilling to make significant concessions in negotiations. The Zelenskyy-Trump meeting is expected to focus on exploring potential avenues for a peace agreement, as well as securing further US aid to Ukraine. The outcome of the meeting could have significant implications for the course of the war and the prospects for lasting peace in the region.