Donald Trump has once again voiced his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a recent phone interview, Trump emphasized that he previously had good relations with Putin and hoped for a swift end to the Russia-Ukraine war, stressing the need for peace for those dying on the frontlines.
However, Trump did not specify how he intends to end the conflict. He merely noted that he had learned some interesting facts about the war, which he might reveal soon, and remarked that US policy towards Russia could change if there is no progress or meetings between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, even though no such talks are planned.
This time, Trump did not set any new deadlines or timelines for Putin, despite previously issuing ultimatums. Proposed meetings and summits have produced no concrete results or significant policy changes in the US or Russia.
Portnikov points out that Russia is imitating progress to avoid tougher sanctions and to prevent the US from providing Ukraine with meaningful military support. Attempts at dialogue appear cyclical: discussions of negotiations, setting deadlines, reaching no decisions, and recurring disappointment.
Putin has publicly shown willingness to negotiate on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and Ukraine's security, and claimed not to oppose Ukraine joining the EU, which contradicts Russia's earlier position. For now, the US is not introducing harsh new measures against Russia or its partners, citing ongoing consultations regarding Ukraine.
According to Portnikov, the Trump administration is attempting to avoid the need to intensify pressure on Russia without losing diplomatic opportunities. The effectiveness of this approach remains uncertain.
