A solitary phone call is unlikely to bring an abrupt conclusion to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Discussions are expected to commence shortly. The timeline and manner of their conclusion remain uncertain.
President Vladimir Putin has achieved notable diplomatic success merely by engaging in this telephone conversation.
Three years ago, he found himself in the political wilderness.
The decision by Putin to initiate a full-scale invasion of Ukraine has effectively transformed him into a pariah on the global stage.
The United Nations General Assembly has decisively passed a resolution denouncing Russia for its “unlawful use of force against Ukraine.”
Russia faced an onslaught of thousands of international sanctions. In the subsequent year, the International Criminal Court released an arrest warrant targeting the leader of the Kremlin.
The President of the United States at the time, Joe Biden, unequivocally expressed his views on his Russian counterpart, labelling Putin as a “murderous dictator” and a “pure thug.”
Following Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, communication between President Putin and President Biden ceased entirely.
As we look ahead to the year 2025.
The recent transition in presidential leadership has ushered in a notable shift in style and language, resulting in a fundamentally altered American strategy towards Russia.
Trump has expressed a desire to collaborate “very closely” with Putin to end the conflict in Ukraine. He is optimistic about “visiting each other’s nations.”
Vladimir Putin shares this sentiment, having extended an invitation to Trump to visit Moscow.
A potential visit could mark a significant turning point in the dynamics of US-Russian relations. It has been over ten years since an American president last set foot in Russia.
In numerous respects, Putin has achieved his objectives. He has secured the opportunity to directly negotiate with the United States regarding Ukraine, potentially sidelining Kyiv and Europe. Furthermore, this situation allows him to position himself prominently within international politics.
The extent of Putin’s willingness to compromise remains uncertain.
Russian officials assert that Moscow is prepared for negotiations yet consistently revert to Putin’s purported peace proposal from June 2024, which resembles an ultimatum more than a genuine offer for dialogue.
According to the proposed plan, Russia would retain all the Ukrainian territory it has occupied, in addition to acquiring further land that remains under Ukrainian control.
Furthermore, Ukraine would be prohibited from joining NATO, and the sanctions imposed on Russia by Western nations would be lifted.
Earlier this week, a Russian newspaper reported, “Russia is ready for talks.” However, under its conditions. Eliminating the diplomatic language amounts to issuing an ultimatum.
