German Bild reports that Donald Trump halted his conversation with Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders to make a telephone call to Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s Consultation with Putin
According to Bild, the U.S. president interrupted his talks with Zelensky and European allies to speak on the phone with Vladimir Putin. After the phone consultation, meetings at the White House are to resume. The information was provided by Bild correspondent Paul Ronzheimer, who reports on events in Washington.
Merz’s Pressure for a Ceasefire
Reports from Ronzheimer indicate that the European side is focusing on a ceasefire and security guarantees for Ukraine. The German Chancellor is expected to emphasize that another meeting cannot take place without a ceasefire. After his discussions, Friedrich Merz will issue a statement to the media. Another German reporter noted that Trump referred to Merz as a “great leader,” but did not endorse that characterization.
Alternative Reality in Russia
While Zelensky in Washington discusses a ceasefire, Putin tells his allies and state media about a meeting with Trump in Alaska. He does not address Trump’s initiative for a trilateral meeting, nor does he comment on the White House’s discussions with Zelensky and European leaders. Russian commentators claim that the Kremlin is attempting to discredit the efforts of Zelensky, Trump, and European leaders, while simultaneously elevating the summit in Alaska. Russian state media portray the summit as a major achievement and a “just peace” for Russia, implying that the policy is in Russia’s interests. They suggest that European leaders are hindering the end of the war and that Zelensky is not interested in peace.
