Ukraine and US Discuss Two-Stage Ceasefire Plan with Russia
According to The Economist, Ukraine and the US are discussing a two-stage ceasefire with Russia that would first limit hostilities in a 50–70 km zone along the frontline and then expand into a broader agreement. Meanwhile, French President Macron says US President Trump changed his view on the war after the G7 summit, acknowledging that Ukraine is not losing.
The United States and Ukraine continue unofficial discussions with Russia about a possible ceasefire, reports the British magazine The Economist. Regular contacts are maintained between Ukraine and the team of US President Donald Trump, and one of the ideas under consideration is a two-stage ceasefire. The first stage would restrict hostilities in a 50 to 70 kilometer wide zone on both sides of the frontline, followed by a broader agreement in the second stage.
However, a senior Ukrainian official told the magazine that Russia is likely to try to stall until next spring, hoping that strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during winter will force Kyiv to concede. The official also indicated that Moscow is unlikely to take any steps before October, when it may want to provide electoral support to Trump and get something in return. The US congressional midterm elections are expected in the autumn.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on France 2 television that Trump changed his view on the war in Ukraine after the G7 summit. Macron said Trump arrived believing Ukraine was losing, but after the meeting he shifted his stance and recognized that Russia is not fulfilling its commitments. The G7 summit took place in France from July 15 to 17.
Earlier, Politico reported that Trump's position may have been influenced by photographs shown to him by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The images depicted the burning Kyiv Pechersk Lavra complex after a Russian attack on the night of June 15. According to sources, this move contributed to Trump agreeing to include criticism of Russia in the joint G7 declaration. However, Politico noted that the idea likely originated with Macron.
The successful outcome of the summit was also aided by the fact that Trump's interlocutors, including Macron, positioned Ukraine as a winner on the battlefield, which appealed to the US president, who values strength.
