Three years after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, his troops are making steady progress on the battlefield. Kyiv is facing shortages of men and weapons, while the new U.S. president could potentially halt Ukraine's military aid. Experts from Russia and the West believe that Putin is closer than ever to achieving his objectives in Ukraine, with little motivation to engage in negotiations, regardless of any pressure from the U.S. President.
Both leaders have engaged in discussions on Ukraine, using a mix of flattery and threats. Putin has praised Trump as 'clever and pragmatic,' while Trump has threatened Russia with tariffs and oil price cuts. Despite Trump's campaign promises to swiftly end the war, the reality is more complex, with ongoing talks between the U.S. and Russia without direct input from Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Putin aims to bypass Kyiv and deal directly with Trump, potentially undermining Ukraine's sovereignty. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Ukraine being involved in any peace negotiations, warning against a deal that could compromise Ukrainian freedom and independence.
Putin's strategy appears to involve leveraging Trump's desire for a quick resolution against his own goal of strengthening Russia's military position and weakening Western political will. Despite potential obstacles and legal challenges, Putin remains steadfast in his demands for Ukraine's neutrality and limitations on its armed forces.
While Trump may seek a legacy as a peacemaker, experts caution that any deal favoring Moscow could be perceived as a sign of American weakness. The dynamics between Trump and Putin, characterized by mutual respect but differing approaches, could complicate efforts to reach a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
As the situation unfolds, the international community closely watches the interactions between Trump and Putin, recognizing the complexities and challenges inherent in negotiating a peace agreement in Ukraine.
