Kyiv Mayor Makes Direct Appeal to Trump Administration
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has issued a direct appeal to Donald Trump, urging the US president to "be on the side of Ukraine" during ongoing peace negotiations with Russia. The former world heavyweight boxing champion emphasized that Washington's support remains "critically important" for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression.
Klitschko's Candid Admission About Trump's Messaging
During an interview with Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Klitschko revealed his occasional confusion regarding President Trump's communications about Ukrainian peace efforts. When asked about his trust in the American leader, the mayor paused significantly before responding: "I try to trust him, but sometimes I don't understand clearly the messages from President Trump regarding peace in Ukraine."
Klitschko, who has served as Kyiv's mayor since 2014, stressed that "peace in Ukraine is very important" while arguing that American support for Kyiv would ensure broader regional stability. "If we defend our national interest, if we're talking about the peace, if we're talking about democracy, the Trump administration has to be on the side of Ukraine," he asserted.
Current State of Peace Negotiations
US-brokered peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv continue, with the most recent discussions occurring in Geneva earlier this week. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reported "meaningful progress" had been achieved, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed dissatisfaction during his nightly address.
"As of today, we cannot say that the result is sufficient," Zelenskyy stated. "The military discussed certain issues seriously and substantively. Sensitive political matters, possible compromises and the necessary meeting of leaders have not yet been sufficiently addressed."
Klitschko emphasized that any eventual peace agreement must not become a "capitulation agreement" for Ukraine. Meanwhile, European intelligence sources speaking anonymously to Reuters suggested Russia may not be genuinely seeking a quick resolution to the conflict, with four officials claiming Moscow is using negotiations primarily to pursue sanctions relief and business opportunities.
Escalating Military Actions Amid Diplomacy
The diplomatic discussions unfold against a backdrop of continued military escalation. Ukraine reported striking an industrial facility deep within Russia's Udmurtia region overnight, targeting a plant manufacturing ballistic missiles. Regional governor Alexander Brechalov confirmed "damage and injuries" resulting from drone attacks.
Russia responded with its own overnight assault, launching 120 drones and one ballistic missile against Ukrainian targets. Oleh Kiper, head of Ukraine's Odesa region, reported damage to civilian and energy infrastructure including a secondary school and energy company warehouses, with two people injured in the attacks.
Klitschko's comments highlight the complex diplomatic landscape as Ukraine navigates both military defense and peace negotiations, with American support remaining a pivotal factor in determining the conflict's ultimate resolution.
