Description: US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to have a phone call on Tuesday where they would discuss possible alternatives for peace resolution in the Ukraine – Russia war. The US ceasefire proposal was rejected by Putin last week as he reiterated on Russia’s so called red lines and a long – lasting resolution to the war as opposed to the ceasefire which could have been used for rearmament and military buildup. Signals from Moscow indicate the negotiations are still in their early stages, as no guarantees have been provided nor concessions negotiated for lasting peace.
Impact: Russia’s ceasefire refusal widened the transatlantic division between Europe and the US, as Europe offered continued military support for Ukraine while the US positioned themselves as the only peace mediator for the time being. The scheduled phone call would most probably engage both presidents in determining the details around the broad strokes regarding the peace negotiations. Trump would expectedly push for Russian compromises as he already conditioned Ukraine and leaned Zelenskyy towards the negotiating table. Putin would exploit and possibly abuse Russia’s favorable position in the current bilateral power and geopolitical dynamics with the US, pressuring for reestablishment of Russia’s maximalist demands and empowering further protection and promotion of Russian global interests.