Will it be the starting point for its ending or at least for a steady and long -term cessation of hostilities? This critical question can be difficult to answer, though they are undoubtedly a small step in that direction. The negotiations will continue, as the White House hastened to inform, without specifying whether the Ukrainians themselves will enter the game.
The difference… style
The two sides have said satisfied after the marathon communication, but the diplomatic language also reveals the different approach. The Kremlin contacted the outcome of the phone call by putting all his claims on the table, at a time when Trump – in his beloved tactic – tried to turn his eyes back on … himself.
“We have agreed on an immediate ceasefire throughout the energy and infrastructure, with the understanding that we will work quickly to have a complete ceasefire and, ultimately, a end of this very horrible war between Russia and Ukraine. This war would never have started if I was president! Many points were discussed on a peace deal, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenski would like to see it ending. This process is now in full power and effect, and we hope, for the sake of humanity, to complete the job! “said in his statement by the US president.
Prior to the Trump statement, the Kremlin announced that a 30 -day cessation was agreed on attacks on both Russia and Ukraine energy infrastructure. According to the announcement, the two leaders had a “detailed and sincere exchange of views” for Ukraine with Putin saying that resolving the conflict must be “total, sustainable and long -term”, taking into account Russia’s own security interests and the deeper causes. The Kremlin said Putin pointed out “important points” about monitoring such a truce and preventing Ukraine’s use to mobilize more troops and re -equipment. In simple terms, Russia set its red lines without giving anything important to the other side.
Putin plays with time?
It is clear that from the communication of the two leaders, Vladimir Putin may not have won much but he has lost nothing in the essence. Putin agreed only to a truce for energy infrastructure for only 30 days, thus rejecting the American plan for a complete cessation of hostilities. According to analysts, this is allowed to continue the war on the rest of the fronts, and in particular that of Kursk, as it is a matter of prestige for Russia to expel the last Ukrainian soldier from its territory and to weaken the diplomatic pressure that Voloni can exert.
After all, the situation in the field gives the Russian political and military leadership the belief that this will happen soon, and in the rest of the battles the Ukrainians are struggling to keep the forehead line as east as they can, with time not on their side. So Russia would not want at this stage of war to give through a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, the opportunity in Kiev to be militarily reorganized with the help of the Allies.
“Yes, but” by Zelenski
Understanding Russia’s rigid stance, Zelenski rushed to emphasize the dangers of Putin’s terms in Kiev, though while keeping the balance, he did not want to reset the US effort. “We will support such proposals, but it is very interesting to know the details and what is really proposed,” Zelenski said during a press conference of a press conference.
Zelenski also said that the conditions set by his Russian counterpart for a truce with Kiev aim to “weaken” Ukraine and show that he is not ready to “end” the war. “His whole game is to weaken us as much as possible,” Zelenski said.
The Russian president also called for Western aid to be stopped in Ukraine. Putin’s demands to end Western aid, exchange of information and mobilizing Ukraine seek to weaken Kiev. Kiev’s partners will not agree to stop military aid, Zelenski said in hope that Western aid to his country will continue. “Talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine, will not work,” he repeated.
