Trump's claims of swift success in Ukraine peace talks are overstated. His call with Putin, while lengthy, yielded no ceasefire commitment, only vague promises of future talks. Putin's maximalist demands and recent drone attacks, meanwhile, show little eagerness for peace, while Trump's past concessions to Russia raise fears he's too soft on Putin. Optimism is premature until Trump proves he can secure a fair deal without bowing to Moscow's pressure.

While this call certainly paves the way for peace talks, the U.S. and Ukraine must now show their respect for Russia during negotiations. This includes a full Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions, plus a pledge to never admit Ukraine into NATO. These criteria address the war's root cause: NATO’s expansion. After such a productive conversation, all parties involved should now get what they need soon.

Despite Russia continuing to invade his land, Zelensky, in the hopes of securing peace for his people, also welcomed this phone call. However, details of the proposed memorandum remain unclear, meaning a ceasefire may precede a full end to the war, allowing talks to progress. Russia must also compromise, especially on territorial demands, as Ukraine will not cede land. Transparency and Ukraine's inclusion in negotiations are vital for peace, while strong EU and U.S. sanctions on Russia are needed to ensure Moscow negotiates in good faith.