Kremlin-Envoyé in Washington: Trump's Russia-Ukraine policy under the magnifying glass

Kremlin-Envoyé in Washington: Trump's Russia-Ukraine policy under the magnifying glass

The White House shows its true face in relation to Ukraine. While the Trump administration imposed massive trade tariffs to 185 countries this week, the travel sanctions for one of the closest consultants of Vladimir Putin were lifted so that he can travel to Washington for talks.

Putin's financialman in Washington

Kirill dmitriev President and heads the state's state pension fund. He started the first trip of a Russian office to the US capital since Putin's invasion of Ukraine three years ago.

a new business approach with Russia?

This visit is another sign that President Donald Trump dreams of a new business relationship between the United States and Russia - even while he has a trade war against wealthier and more diverse economies of his allies.

allegations against Zelensky

But the visit was not the only indication of Trump's position this week. The president also let his frustration over Zelensky run free by accusing him of saboting a long overdue contract that would give the United States access to the rare earths of Ukraine. This "deal" could not be accepted by any Ukrainian president, since it would give the United States the veto law about a new body to decide how the resources are used. In addition, Ukraine would only benefit from the income if the United States receives all its war aids - a sum that Trump, to a very exaggerated extent, indicates with over $ 350 billion.

resource looting and reparation claims

These draconian conditions make the suspicion to be suspected that it is tried to exploit the resources of Ukraine and to force the war -plagued land to pay a form of reparations to a third party - the United States.

weaknesses in the US strategy

Trump insists that he only wants to end killing in Ukraine - a commendable goal. But in another sign of his priorities, it was reported to CNN on Thursday that Defense Minister Pete Hegseth was not expected to find the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels. The United States recently handed over control over the monthly meetings to the United Kingdom, which could mean that there is no high-ranking Pentagon representative for the first time in three years.

Standing of diplomacy

All of this happens while Trump's attempt to end the war - which he thought once in 24 hours - gets in the stall. Two supposed breakdowns that were advertised by the White House - a stop of the attacks on energy infrastructure and a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea - have stalled. In addition, Russia's new demand to restore access to international banking and trade requires the approval of the skeptical allies in Europe.

relaxation in the conflict or illusion?

But the US concessions do not tear off. The Outsider status is only the latest. An insider of the Kremlin announced CNNS Phil Mattinggly that the Trump team had already brought about the first de-escalation of the war and praised Steve Witkoff, the US envoy who has taken points of view since the meeting with the Russian leader.

Trump's complicated relationship with Putin

"With the Trump administration we are now in the area of ​​thinking about the possible," said Dmitriev. US media were excited last weekend when Trump expressed rare criticism of Putin and said NBC that he was "annoyed" because he questioned Zelensky's legitimacy. There was less attention when Trump in Air Force One said that he believed Putin wanted peace: "I don't think he will deviate from his word," he added: "I have known him for a long time."

Putin's game: Win time

deceptive hopes for peace

"A war ends, at least one of the parties has to change their war goals," said Hein Goemans, professor of political science at the University of Rochester and specialist for conflicts in the final phase. "Russia has not really changed its war goals," added Goemans, after an originally unsuccessful lightning war strategy failed to take Kiev.

Then as now, Putin wants to consolidate control over the conquered eastern regions, break the Ukrainian efforts to break the west and plunge Zelensky to install a pro-Moscow leader. Putin's warning that the "causes" of the war must be addressed is also a code for a NATO retreat from Eastern Europe.

a grown threat

perceptions that Putin does not intend to end the war soon, this week was strengthened when he was an additional 160,000 men. The highest US military commander in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, described Russia as a "chronic threat" and "growing threat, which is ready to use military violence to realize their geopolitical goals".

shocking insights

The most benevolent interpretation of the position of the White House is that it has not yet recognized these decisive dynamics in the peace talks. A dark assumption is that it is well aware of this, but does not take care of it and still wants to hug Putin.