Trump's pivotal calls: Shaping peace between Putin and Zelensky
The battle between Russia and Ukraine and their allies is currently being fought not on the battlefield, but for the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump.
CNN reports that Trump is becoming increasingly impatient with the lack of progress towards peace.
Upcoming phone calls are expected to be crucial. A call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for Monday. Before this, Trump is to talk with European leaders. CNN emphasizes that Trump's opinion on the conflict may depend on whom he speaks with last on this issue. After the call with Putin, Trump is expected to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Both Moscow and Kyiv are trying to convince Trump that the other side is the obstacle to achieving peace. CNN notes that during the conversation with Trump, Putin will have his full attention, which he might use to present his proposals.
Two possible scenarios
The government in Kyiv fears that Trump and Putin might agree on a peace plan of their own, which could be imposed on Ukraine. There is a risk that the U.S. might try to force Ukraine to accept Russian terms under the threat of withdrawing military and economic aid.
On the other hand, Trump might pressure Putin because the Kremlin does not want an angry U.S. President to increase support for Ukrainian military actions. Even though Russia and Ukraine do not want to compromise, the talks might reveal just how far apart the two sides of the conflict really are.
