Putin's stubbornness in the Ukraine talks forces Trump to act

Putin's stubbornness in the Ukraine talks forces Trump to act

Russia and Ukraine are still far apart. The two warfare countries were able to in the

background of the conflict situation

Although an agreement was reached about the exchange of further prisoners, Moscow and Kiev remain in their views on the end of the expensive and bitter Ukrainian war deeply split. Russia is particularly adamant by handing over a memorandum to the Ukrainian negotiators that confirms its maximum and hard demands. These would essentially be the same as a surrender of Ukraine.

unrealistic demands from Moscow

The expectations of a compromise of the Kremlin were low from the start. However, Moscow seems to have abolished any hint of alleviating its demands. The Russian memorandum again demands that Ukraine leave four partially occupied regions that have not conquered Russia. This territorial license has repeatedly rejected Kyiv.

Furthermore, Russia demands that Ukraine accept strict restrictions on its armed forces, never join a military alliance, do not allow foreign troops on their ground and have no nuclear weapons. This would mean a comprehensive demilitarization of Ukraine in its most radical form, which is unbearable for both Ukraine and a large part of Europe, since the country is seen as a barrier against another Russian expansion.

The geopolitical dimension

Further demands in Russia include the restoration of complete diplomatic and economic relationships. In particular, it is required that no reparation payments are requested from one of the two sides and that all western sanctions against Russia are canceled. This wish list of the Kremlin, although it is not new, illustrates how Moscow imagines the future of Ukraine as a subordinate state with no significant own military power or real independence.

developments on the Ukrainian side

This unyond -inament attitude comes despite two important factors that could possibly stimulate the Kremlin to think. On the one hand, the Ukraine has developed the technical ability to Despite the enormous imbalance of territory and resources. The impressive drone attacks that have recently found strategic bombers of Russia in bases that are thousands of kilometers from Ukraine are a powerful example of the fact that Ukraine still has some cards in hand and use them effectively.

to the other, and without a doubt much more dangerous for Moscow, the hard demands of the Kremlin come despite the increasing frustrations of US President Donald Trump in Ukraine. Trump has already expressed his annoyance about his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, whom he described as "absolutely crazy" after massive Russian attacks on Ukraine took place last week.

But now Trump is under pressure, since a central element of his foreign policy for a second term - a quick termination of the Ukraine secretary - seems to be aware. Should Trump decide, he could set mighty levers in motion, such as increasing the US military aid or imposing strict new sanctions that find overwhelming support in the US Senate. Senator Richard Blumenthal is an important supporter of a cross -party Senate Act that aims to impose “devastating” new measures on Russia. He accused Russia of "mocking" the peace efforts in the conversations in Istanbul and accused the Kremlin in a carefully formulated contribution to X, "Trump and America."

The way to the future

It is currently unclear how the moody US president will react or what he will do if we at all. However, the result of the Ukraine secretary, in particular the negotiation of a peace agreement, is inextricably linked to the current government in the White House. Trump could now force the fact that Putin has bent his feet again and reacts adamant to peace calls.