Trump defies Putin: No concessions in a tense phone call

Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin on the phone, primarily discussing the situation in Ukraine. Although Trump did not secure significant concessions from the Russian leader, Atlantic Council analyst Andrew D’Anieri highlighted that he did not succumb to Putin's "maximalist demands."

In a statement following the conversation, the White House noted that the leaders agreed to a ceasefire regarding attacks on infrastructure and energy installations and the commencement of negotiations on further steps. However, a broader 30-day ceasefire, to which Ukraine had previously agreed, was not announced.

D’Anieri explained that the White House has consistently handled Russia’s war against Ukraine in this manner. Both the administration and Trump himself have already made numerous one-sided concessions to Russia without receiving significant benefits in return. As a result, many who prioritize U.S. national security felt somewhat relieved that he did not extend even further offers to the Russian side.

D’Anieri noted that Trump did not agree to Putin's demands, such as demilitarising Ukraine, halting military and intelligence aid, and lifting sanctions against Moscow. Given the U.S. administration's previous policies, the expert considered this a positive aspect of the conversation.

After the conversation, the Kremlin reported that Putin agreed to halt the shelling of Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days but demanded a complete halt to Western military aid to Ukraine. D’Anieri expressed concerns that the Trump administration is opening up to normalising relations with Russia, which could allow Moscow to manipulate negotiations concerning Ukraine.

The expert cautioned that Russians might attempt to bargain by suggesting that if their demands regarding Ukraine are met, they would offer certain advantages in broader diplomatic relations. However, they believe this is merely a tactic and emphasized that the U.S. should avoid being misled by such strategies in future negotiations.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has repeatedly claimed that it does not attack civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, even though Russian missiles have often struck residential buildings, energy installations, hospitals, or schools. The attacks on energy infrastructure have been part of a coordinated campaign.

D’Anieri expressed hope that Trump will obtain concessions from the Russians in the future, as so far, "he has received practically nothing, apart from a partial ceasefire." The expert emphasised that following the conversation, Russian forces continued to attack energy infrastructure in Ukraine.