Moscow: Last week’s phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin broke a long-standing silence in US-Russia relations. Following his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump also spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US President’s separate talks with the conflicting parties can be seen as the beginning of negotiations to end the war.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the director of the Russian Institute for Political Studies, political scientist Sergey Markov, noted that the phone call between the leaders of Russia and the United States marked the actual beginning of contact between the two countries. The talks are divided into three aspects: negotiations on resolving the Ukrainian crisis, normalization of previously blocked relations, and substantive negotiations on other relations. Trump appointed two special representatives, Keith Kellogg and Steve Witkoff, to oversee negotiations with Europe, Ukraine, and Russia.
Ukrainian political scientist and military expert Alexander Kovalenko highlighted that the phone call is a preliminary contact without immediate results. He emphasized that Ukraine and Russia have distinct positions and ultimatums, making a quick resolution unlikely. The process may extend months, potentially into the second half of spring, with Kovalenko suggesting that meaningful talks might not begin until 2025.
During the phone call, Kremlin press service chief Dmitry Peskov stated that the presidents agreed to continue personal contacts and organize a meeting, with Saudi Arabia chosen as the venue. Sergey Markov indicated that the talks could begin soon, focusing on restoring diplomatic relations and planning a summit between Putin and Trump. However, Kovalenko expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s involvement, noting a lack of official confirmation and readiness for such a meeting.
Political experts from both countries discussed possible demands and concessions. Sergey Markov reiterated Russia’s demands, including denazification, demilitarization, derussification, and lifting anti-Russian sanctions. On the other hand, Kovalenko emphasized Ukraine’s demand for territorial integrity and the restoration of borders as of February 21, 2022, without recognizing Russian control over occupied territories.
Kovalenko stressed the need for objective approaches, acknowledging the war might subside but not end completely. Markov mentioned that any negotiations would require Zelensky to revoke a decree banning talks with Russia during Putin’s presidency. Kovalenko maintained that Kyiv would not recognize any Russian-occupied territory, emphasizing the necessity for Russia to accept Ukraine’s positions given the current military and geopolitical landscape.
US Vice President JD Vance mentioned potential sanctions and military actions if Putin does not agree to a peace agreement. However, Stephen Blank from the US Foreign Policy Research Institute doubted the likelihood of military actions, considering sanctions against Russian energy buyers and associated businesses as more plausible. Blank also highlighted Putin’s long-term goals, suggesting a preference for diplomatic negotiation over military confrontation.