WASHINGTON/KYEV - U.S. President Donald Trump, after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, shifted responsibility for moving forward in the conflict to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to retired Army general and former Chief of Staff Jiri Sedy. The meeting between the two statesmen took place at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage, Alaska.

According to Šedivý, the meeting was particularly important in terms of the strategic adjustment of relations between the United States and Russia, but also for the future development of the situation in Ukraine. "Trump has made it clear that he does not want to bear the brunt of the decision on peace or escalation, and has shifted the burden of responsibility to the Ukrainian side," Šedivý said.

Veronika Stromšíková, the senior director of the State Department's Security and Multilateral Affairs Section and political director, expects Trump to personally translate the main points of his conversation with Putin to Zelensky as early as Monday. "He will want to hear how the Ukrainian president envisions the next steps. US diplomacy is now waiting for his proposal for a course of action," Stromšíková explained.

According to experts, this change in approach could have major consequences. Trump's move is seen as an effort to shift responsibility directly to the parties involved, with the United States retaining the role of mediator. However, in doing so, Washington is also sending a signal that it does not want to be the one to determine the final solution.

Analysts point out that this means significant pressure for Zelensky. He needs to present a plan that will be acceptable to the United States and Russia, while at the same time being defensible at home in Ukraine. This is an extremely difficult task, according to Gray. "It's a balancing act between security guarantees, sovereignty, and a realistic willingness on Russia's part to back down," the former chief of staff stressed.

The meeting between Trump and Putin was closely watched not only in Europe but also in Asia. The outcome of the meeting may influence the global security architecture, including the position of NATO and the European Union. German Chancellor Merz, for his part, said he gave Zelensky some good advice after the recent meeting in Berlin. Further developments are expected to show whether a path to a peaceful settlement can be found or whether the conflict will enter a new phase.

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