Trump and Putin’s Call: Illusions of Progress on Ukraine Peace

Trump’s call with Putin appeared to show progress on Ukraine, with a 30-day halt on energy attacks promised. Yet, it lacks a full ceasefire, reflecting ongoing violence. The conversation marked Russia’s return to direct US diplomacy, highlighting both nations’ positions without significant change, further complicating the search for peace in Ukraine.

In anticipation of Donald Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump highlighted the conversation to signal progress on Ukraine peace. However, the outcomes revealed minimal advancements. Putin’s offer to suspend attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days provides a semblance of progress, yet falls short of the desired full ceasefire for which the US hoped.

Despite Trump’s assertion that he can end the “very horrible war,” hostilities continue unabated. The telephone conversation reportedly lasted over two hours, showcasing a significant engagement despite the problematic backdrop of Putin being an indicted war criminal by the ICC. Russian state media portrayed the dialogue as casual, even touching on subjects like ice hockey, appealing to domestic audiences.

After years of being marginalized, Russia is resuming direct interaction with the US, which indicates a willingness to engage diplomatically. Topics extended beyond Ukraine to include discussions about Middle East peace and global security, reinforcing a renewed diplomatic foothold for Russia. Some anticipated Trump would exert pressure on Putin regarding the ceasefire, given Russia’s recent delays.

However, the conversation did not reflect such pressure, as both nations reiterated their positions without notable change. Russia continues to claim its commitment to peace while simultaneously proposing conditions that could diminish Ukraine’s resistance, including halting military and intelligence support from allies. This places Ukrainian hopes on a fragile footing; so far, the US has not yielded to these demands.

For Ukrainians, the call merely reinforces Russia’s lack of genuine interest in stopping the invasion, offering little comfort. The implications for US diplomacy are similarly disappointing, reflecting the challenges in securing an effective peace strategy amid these geopolitical tensions, while for the Kremlin, the dialogue signals a successful diplomatic engagement previously deemed unattainable.

The call between Trump and Putin highlighted a delicate diplomatic maneuver, providing token gestures of progress without substantive commitments towards ending the Ukraine conflict. Despite Putin’s promise to pause energy attacks, the continued warfare and Russia’s demands indicate an ongoing struggle for Ukraine. The outcomes further illustrate the complexities of US diplomacy in the current geopolitical climate and Russia’s renewed stance in global affairs, demonstrating that substantial peace remains elusive.

Original Source: www.bbc.com