Putin graciously provides Trump with a glimmer of hope for progress in Ukraine peace negotiations.

Putin and Trump's Ukraine Call: A British Perspective Image source, Reuters Sarah Rainsford Eastern European correspondent Published 18 March 2025 3718 Comments In the lead up to their recent conversation, Donald Trump was quick to hype his discussion with Russia's Vladimir Putin. However, the outcomes appear underwhelming to say the least. The Russian president has offered just enough concessions to allow the US leader to claim progress towards peace in Ukraine, while avoiding the appearance of being outmaneuvered by the Kremlin. Trump can highlight Putin's promise to cease attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for a month. If this commitment is upheld, it will bring some relief to civilians. However, it falls far short of the complete and unwavering ceasefire demanded by the US. Despite Trump's assurances that he can end the "very horrible war," the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating. Additionally, Putin, a figure accused of war crimes, is seemingly being welcomed back onto the global stage. Russian state media reports a lengthy two-hour phone conversation between the two leaders, with topics ranging from ice hockey to global security. This cozy portrayal of the call will likely be well-received by audiences in Russia. After years of isolation from the West, Russia now finds itself engaging directly with a US administration eager to collaborate. The once chilly relations appear to be thawing, with discussions extending to issues like Middle East peace. As the ceasefire negotiations drag on, it becomes evident that Russia's commitment to peace remains tenuous. The Kremlin's emphasis on monitoring a non-existent ceasefire and imposing additional demands on Ukraine raise doubts about its sincerity. Despite the diplomatic efforts, Ukraine continues to suffer the consequences of Russia's invasion. While the discussions may offer scant relief, the absence of concrete progress underscores Russia's reluctance to end the conflict. For US diplomacy, the lack of substantial outcomes from the call is undoubtedly disappointing. However, for the Kremlin, this marks a significant shift from the days of isolation, thanks in no small part to Donald Trump's return to the White House. War, ukraine, russia, donald trump, vladimir putin

Thursday 20th Mar 2025