Trump's tightrope: Balancing Moscow and Kyiv in peace talks
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with their allies, is currently being waged not on the battlefield, but for the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump.
CNN reports that Trump is growing increasingly impatient with the lack of progress towards peace.
Pivotal to this situation are the upcoming phone calls. A call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for Monday at 5.00 p.m. GMT. Before this, Trump is set to speak with European leaders. CNN emphasises that Trump's opinion on the conflict may depend on who he last speaks to about the matter. After the conversation with Putin, Trump is to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Both Moscow and Kyiv are trying to persuade 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 can utilise to present his proposals.
Two possible scenarios
The government in Kyiv fears that Trump and Putin may settle on their own peace plan, which would 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 may pressure Putin, as the Kremlin does not want an angry U.S. president increasing support for Ukrainian military efforts. Even though Russia and Ukraine do not want to compromise, the talks may reveal just how far apart both sides of the conflict are.
