As expected, the hype surrounding the Putin-Trump call proved exaggerated. Attempts to portray it as decisive and historic fell flat. Still, it remains a meaningful step forward, allowing several preliminary observations.
First, developments align closely with Russia’s preferred approach. Moscow resisted immediate ceasefire calls, emphasizing the necessity for carefully structured long-term agreements. This effectively deflected Washington’s urgency, especially after the talks in Jeddah. Russia elegantly maneuvered by endorsing Zelensky’s earlier (later abandoned) proposal of mutual restraint in targeting energy infrastructure and ensuring safety in the Black Sea. Whether this moratorium comes into force remains uncertain, but its very discussion has shifted the momentum in Russia’s favor.
As expected, the hype surrounding the Putin-Trump call proved exaggerated. Attempts to portray it as decisive and historic fell flat. Still, it remains a meaningful step forward, allowing several preliminary observations.
First, developments align closely with Russia’s preferred approach. Moscow resisted immediate ceasefire calls, emphasizing the necessity for carefully structured long-term agreements. This effectively deflected Washington’s urgency, especially after the talks in Jeddah. Russia elegantly maneuvered by endorsing Zelensky’s earlier (later abandoned) proposal of mutual restraint in targeting energy infrastructure and ensuring safety in the Black Sea. Whether this moratorium comes into force remains uncertain, but its very discussion has shifted the momentum in Russia’s favor.
Second, the conditions for peace remain focused on Ukraine’s demilitarization – stopping weapons supplies and military mobilization. This returns to Russia’s original objectives in Ukraine, although fully achieving them remains complicated. A notable tension has emerged: the US can potentially curtail assistance, whereas Europe has continued to deepen its military commitment to Kiev. Military capability, rather than territorial matters, has taken center stage.
Third, the Ukrainian crisis is embedded within broader Russia-US relations. The extensive discussion of economic collaboration, however symbolic, underlines this broader context. Notably, the Middle East, particularly Israel’s security, has received considerable attention, suggesting that Trump’s priorities extend beyond Ukraine. Such priorities present opportunities for potential trade-offs – less critical issues for one side exchanged for the priorities of the other.
Overall, neither Kiev nor Europe received encouraging news. Their conspicuous omission reflects their diminished role. It remains to be seen whether future negotiation rounds will yield significant progress or collapse entirely – and whether we’ll ultimately see the much-discussed hockey match between the KHL and NHL.
Source: RT
