News of a phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, agreeing to a face-to-face meeting to discuss the war in Ukraine, has likely been met with concern in Kyiv. This development comes as Ukraine faces intensifying Russian attacks, with recent missile and drone strikes causing significant damage to critical infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges of an impending winter.
While these assaults on Ukraine’s energy grid are seen by Kyiv as a sign of Russian desperation amid a stalemate on the frontlines, the timing of the Trump-Putin call is particularly sensitive. President Zelensky had been hoping for a positive outcome regarding increased US military aid, specifically the potential provision of long-range Tomahawk missiles. The US president’s shifting stance on Russia and Ukraine, moving from earlier condemnations to a more conciliatory tone, had fueled expectations.
The discussion between Trump and Putin, which occurred while Zelensky was en route to Washington, appears to have preempted Zelensky’s key diplomatic efforts. Despite Russia’s portrayal of the call as a sign of its willingness to engage, analysts suggest it might be a strategic move by Putin. The potential supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, which could significantly bolster its strike capabilities deep within Russia, remains a point of contention, with Trump having expressed doubts about their deployment.
Zelensky, upon arriving in Washington, met with defense contractors to advocate for the weapons he believes are vital for Ukraine’s defense. However, Trump’s previous skepticism about supplying these missiles casts a shadow over the potential impact of Zelensky’s visit. The article suggests a recurring pattern where Trump’s frustrations with Putin are seemingly diffused by direct conversations, potentially altering his policy stance and delaying or diminishing the support Ukraine seeks.
As Ukraine braces for its fourth winter of conflict, the prospect of a Trump-brokered peace, even one involving a summit with Putin, is viewed with caution by many Ukrainians. The article concludes by noting that while Zelensky continues his diplomatic push, the recent call between the US and Russian presidents has introduced an unexpected complication, leaving Ukraine facing an uncertain path forward.
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