US President Donald Trump says productive talks with Putin on Ukraine conflict have a ‘very good chance’ of ending the war, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains skeptical about Russia’s intentions.
The US and Russia have held ‘productive’ talks over the Ukraine war, according to US President Donald Trump. The discussions, which took place in Moscow on Thursday, centered around a proposed ceasefire deal that has been accepted by Ukraine but remains unratified by Russia.
The US and Russia have engaged in diplomatic efforts since the Cold War era.
Notable incidents include the Reykjavik Summit (1986), where Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan discussed 'nuclear disarmament,' but ultimately failed to reach an agreement.
In 1992, the two nations signed the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START I).
More recently, in 2018-2020, US-Russia talks focused on nuclear arms control and Ukraine's conflict.
A Glimmer of Hope or Russian Stalling?
Trump’s statement suggests that there is a ‘very good chance’ that the war can finally come to an end. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is less optimistic, claiming that Russia wants to continue the conflict and will ‘reject‘ the ceasefire deal proposal. According to Zelensky, Putin often uses indirect tactics to delay negotiations, making it difficult to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
Putin's intentions have been a subject of international scrutiny, particularly in the context of his presidency and subsequent leadership.
His actions suggest a desire to reassert Russia's global influence and restore its status as a major world power.
This is reflected in his military interventions in Ukraine and Syria, as well as his efforts to expand Russian economic and energy interests.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 71% of Russians believe their country plays a more important role in the world than it did 20 years ago.
Putin's domestic policies also focus on consolidating power and promoting a sense of national pride.
The White House Sees Progress
Despite the differing views from Ukraine and Russia, the White House believes they have ‘never been this close to peace’. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the talks were productive, with Trump putting pressure on Putin to do the right thing. The US has proposed a ceasefire deal that is supported by Ukrainians, and G7 members have expressed unity in calling for a ceasefire with no conditions.
The US-Russia negotiations have a complex history, dating back to the Cold War era.
The two superpowers have engaged in numerous diplomatic efforts, including 'arms control talks' and economic cooperation initiatives.
In 1992, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was signed, reducing nuclear arsenals.
However, tensions rose in 2014 with Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Since then, negotiations have focused on issues like Ukraine, Syria, and cybersecurity.
International Pressure Mounts
The international community is urging Russia to accept the ceasefire proposal. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that all G7 members agreed on the importance of a ceasefire without conditions. The UK Prime Minister will host a video call with up to 25 countries to develop a peacekeeping mission, dubbed the ‘coalition of the willing’.
A Path Forward
The path forward is uncertain, but it seems clear that both sides are seeking a resolution to the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Russia will accept the ceasefire proposal or continue to stall for time.
