In brief
As President Trump's second term unfolds, skepticism grows in Moscow regarding his promises to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict, with fears that stalled talks could lead to intensified fighting.
Many Russians initially celebrated Trump’s election, seeing him as a potential peacemaker in the ongoing war. However, with three months into his second term, reality is setting in; the desired peace is proving elusive. Kremlin insiders are voicing doubts about Trump's hasty negotiation style and Putin's unwillingness to compromise.Grigory Yavlinsky, a liberal politician, highlighted the slow progress of peace efforts, criticizing Putin for seizing opportunities on the battlefield rather than pursuing a cease-fire. The prime sticking point remains Putin's demands from last summer, including Ukraine's NATO membership renounce and the surrender of territories.While Trump’s administration has signaled that they could withdraw from discussions, Putin remains firm in his position, seemingly encouraged by Trump's diminishing support for Ukraine and growing tensions with allies. The Kremlin is now suggesting possible lucrative business prospects in Russia to attract Trump's attention, regardless of the battlefield outcomes.
