In a significant phone call between the U.S. and Russian presidents, the ongoing fighting in Ukraine was a focal point of discussion. However, the two leaders, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, also explored topics such as improving relations between Washington and Moscow, achieving peace in the Middle East, enhancing global security, and even discussing hockey games. This two-hour call marked the longest conversation between the leaders of these nuclear superpowers in years, reflecting a mutual interest in mending the strained ties that have reached historic lows during the three-year conflict in Ukraine.
The Kremlin and state-controlled Russian media praised this call as a long-awaited opportunity for establishing an equal dialogue between the two nations. The conversation allowed Putin to divert attention from the war in Ukraine and engage in broader discussions about global issues. This shift is significant, as past U.S. efforts have often depicted him as an international outcast.
Despite the optimistic tone of the call, a resolution to the fighting in Ukraine seems as elusive as ever. Both the Kremlin and the White House framed the discussion as a vital step towards peace, yet Putin's stringent demands complicate any potential truce. In a bid to cultivate warmer ties with Washington, Putin expressed a willingness to halt strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, though he avoided outright rejection of Trump's proposed 30-day ceasefire. This proposal is conditional on a cessation of Western arms supplies to Ukraine and a freeze on Kyiv's mobilization efforts—conditions firmly rejected by Ukraine and its allies.
Unlike Ukraine, which accepted Trump's ceasefire offer amid battlefield setbacks, Putin appears less inclined towards a swift cessation of hostilities. Russian forces are currently maintaining the initiative on the battlefield, particularly in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are on the brink of losing their foothold. Following a surprise incursion in August 2024, Ukrainian forces are now clinging to a narrow strip of land along the border.
Putin's assertion that Ukrainian forces in Kursk are surrounded—a claim echoed by Trump—has been denied by Kyiv, which fears a potential Russian offensive in the nearby Sumy region. Concurrently, the Russian military is launching offensives in multiple sectors of the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. By linking the ceasefire to further restrictions on arms supplies and Ukraine's military mobilization, Putin aims to consolidate Russian territorial gains while pressuring Kyiv to concede to Moscow's demands.
While pursuing military advantages in Ukraine, Putin used the call to redirect the conversation towards other global matters. This pivot seemed to resonate with Trump, as the White House reported that the two leaders discussed the Middle East as a potential area for collaboration to prevent future conflicts and the need to halt the proliferation of strategic weapons. They agreed that a future with improved bilateral relations could yield significant economic and geopolitical stability.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who met with Putin prior to the call, expressed optimism about the Kremlin's willingness to work towards a broader truce. He commended both leaders for their efforts and credited Trump for his influential role during the conversation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the mutual understanding and trust between Putin and Trump, indicating a gradual move towards normalizing U.S.-Russian relations.
In response to the Trump-Putin call, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that negotiating without Ukraine would be counterproductive. Following their conversation, Trump reached out to Zelenskyy, claiming the aim was to align the interests of both Russia and Ukraine. The creation of U.S. and Russian working groups to discuss ceasefire specifics and potential agreements on safe shipping in the Black Sea signals a shift in dialogue that excludes Ukraine, challenging the Biden administration's previous policy of ensuring that Ukraine is part of discussions about its future.
Analysts have noted that the conversation did not bode well for Kyiv or Europe, as they felt sidelined in discussions between the two superpowers. Tatiana Stanovaya from the Carnegie Endowment remarked that the significant outcome of the call was the implicit acceptance of U.S.-Russian cooperation on key issues, which she sees as a victory for Putin. The ongoing "detoxification" of Russia from its international pariah status continues, as Putin's proposal for hockey matches between Russian and American players was also noted during the call.
As discussions between the U.S. and Russia progress, Ukraine's position appears increasingly precarious. Analysts like Nigel Gould-Davies have criticized Trump’s perceived sympathy towards Putin and his reluctance to impose significant consequences on Russia. This dynamic allows Putin to continue his strategy of military pressure on Ukraine while seeking to dictate terms of peace through bilateral talks with the U.S.
In conclusion, the recent phone call between Trump and Putin reflects a complex interplay of interests, where military strategies and diplomatic overtures intersect. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications for Ukraine and Europe remain uncertain, with the potential for significant geopolitical shifts in the near future.
