Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had a lengthy phone conversation on Tuesday that lasted over 90 minutes. This discussion has led to an agreement from Russia to implement a partial ceasefire regarding attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for the next 30 days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of future negotiations concerning Ukraine if Kyiv is not involved in the discussions. He believes that any talks without Ukraine at the table will not yield positive results.
Sky News correspondents have weighed in on the call. Ivor Bennett, a Moscow correspondent, noted that while Putin may not have gained much from the conversation, he also did not lose anything significant. The ceasefire agreement allows Trump to claim a diplomatic win, which is crucial for maintaining US-Russia relations.
Bennett pointed out that there has been talk of resetting relations and possibly lifting sanctions, which Putin would want to protect. However, he also emphasized that Putin is firm on his demands, particularly regarding NATO expansion, which he sees as a threat to Russia’s security.
James Matthews, a US correspondent, described the ceasefire as "ceasefire-lite," indicating that it may not be taken seriously in Kyiv. He highlighted that the details shared by both sides after the call do not bode well for Ukraine, especially since the Russians seem to have a different agenda.
Putin’s insistence on addressing the "root causes of the crisis" signals a desire to demilitarize Ukraine and assert claims over its territory. He also called for a halt to foreign military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, a demand that would severely weaken Ukraine’s position while allowing Russia to strengthen its military efforts.
As the situation evolves, the implications of Trump’s next steps are crucial. His actions could further complicate the dynamics for Ukraine and its European allies. The conversation between Trump and Putin suggests a shared vision for a shift in global politics, where the fate of Ukraine may not be their primary concern.