Putin and Trump: Political Chess Game Around Ukraine’s Fate

The political confrontation between Russia and the West has intensified again. According to The New York Times, citing its sources, the Kremlin believes that Vladimir Putin is confident Russia has gained an advantage over Ukraine and that the situation on the battlefield will fundamentally change in the coming months, reports nytimes.com.

Putin assumes that Ukraine’s defense may soon collapse. According to sources close to the Kremlin, the Russian army has intensified its offensives, and under these circumstances, there can be no talk of halting military operations without large-scale attacks from Ukraine. This view corresponds to the current political climate in Moscow — the Kremlin is now thinking only about victory.

On the other hand, in recent days, Donald Trump has been openly expressing dissatisfaction with Putin’s tough and uncompromising position. He said that the Russian leader “makes many promises, but in the end, words do not translate into action.” Trump noted that since February, he has spoken to Putin by phone six times. However, so far, Washington has not imposed new sanctions on Russia, has not provided significant military aid to Ukraine, and has not taken serious steps to reject Moscow’s demands.

According to one of The New York Times’ interlocutors, Putin is acting with a clear understanding that Trump’s patience may run out and new sanctions may be imposed. In addition, the Kremlin is still acting cautiously in its contacts with the West, because the main goal is to completely destroy Ukraine’s defense and force Kyiv to negotiate.

Trump, in his latest statements, criticized Putin’s position, saying, “The Russian leader is polite in words, but all of this does not turn into practical steps.” At the same time, when asked about introducing new sanctions against Russia, he said, “I am considering it.”

In the Kremlin, it is noted that Putin is prioritizing long-term strategic goals. According to political analysts, despite possible sanctions and new pressure, Putin is ready to negotiate with the West in his own interests. At the same time, he hopes that in future negotiations, it will be possible to reach an agreement on easing sanctions.

The combat situation in Ukraine is changing every day. The optimism of the Russian army, doubts in the West, and relations between Washington and Moscow have reached a new stage on the international political scene.

These events are becoming a new page in the global political chess game. What changes lie ahead will be shown by time. But it is clear that every word and decision can determine Ukraine’s fate. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!