After his call with the Russian dictator Putin, Trump boasted about a ‘fantastic’ call and said that Russia had agreed to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to bomb Ukraine.
Call it the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal—and Trump’s continued attempts to varnish the truth.
A firefighter works at a compound of power infrastructure facilities, which was hit by Russian missile and drone strikes.
The White House’s account of the call emphasized a ‘mutual desire for peace’ and highlighted the limited agreement to cease strikes on energy infrastructure. In contrast, the Kremlin’s readout underscored Russia’s additional demands, including a halt to foreign military aid to Ukraine and a cessation of Ukrainian military activities during the ceasefire. These conditions are viewed as undermining Ukraine’s defense capabilities while allowing Russia to maintain its strategic advantages.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with the limited progress, criticizing the partial ceasefire and calling for increased sanctions on Russia. He emphasized the need for sustained pressure to achieve a meaningful resolution to the conflict.
Analysts suggest that Putin’s firm stance and additional demands have put Trump in a challenging position, revealing a potential miscalculation in the U.S. administration’s strategy toward Russia.
This development raises concerns about the effectiveness of current diplomatic efforts and the future stability of the region.