Putin to End War on Ukraine if Strict Conditions Are Met.
Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, but only if stringent conditions are met, raising concerns among Ukraine and its Western allies. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump is pushing to broker a peace deal, creating further tension with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Trump’s Shift Toward Moscow
In a surprising move, Trump has signaled a shift in U.S. foreign policy, moving closer to Moscow while placing increased pressure on Ukraine to negotiate. “We’re doing very well with Russia,” Trump stated from the Oval Office on Friday. “I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine.”
This shift has raised eyebrows in the international community, as Trump, typically a critic of Russia, appears to be pivoting toward Putin. According to reports from the Kremlin, Russia is open to a temporary cessation of hostilities, but only under certain conditions, including the establishment of a concrete framework for a final peace agreement and a carefully selected list of countries for a peacekeeping mission.
Concerns Over Potential Russian Leverage
These conditions have sparked concerns in Ukraine and its Western allies, who fear that any ceasefire deal may ultimately favor Moscow. The potential inclusion of specific countries in a peacekeeping mission has raised red flags, as it could shift the balance of power in Russia’s favor.
Trump Explores Easing Sanctions on Russia
Adding to the uncertainty, reports indicate that the Trump administration has been quietly considering ways to ease economic sanctions against Russia. This includes the possibility of revisiting the cap on Russian oil sales, a move that has caused alarm among European allies. The U.S. has already imposed over 6,400 sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with other countries contributing to a total of nearly 22,000 sanctions worldwide.
Despite this, Trump has hinted at imposing large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia, warning Moscow via his Truth Social platform that he is “strongly considering” such measures until a ceasefire and final peace agreement are reached. This announcement comes at a time when Russia continues its relentless missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities.
Biden’s Legacy vs. Trump’s Approach
Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with the policies of President Joe Biden, who has maintained a hardline stance on Russia and increased support for Ukraine. While the Biden administration imposed significant sanctions on Russia, Trump’s rhetoric has been softer, with reports indicating a potential desire to lift sanctions, which could embolden Russia.
A former spokesperson for the National Security Council under Biden, Sean Savett, criticized Trump’s position, saying, “Not only did he clearly get it wrong when he claimed repeatedly that Putin wants peace, but his actions squeezing Ukraine have made peace less attainable by strengthening Putin’s hand instead of Ukraine’s.”
U.S. and Ukrainian Tensions
Trump’s shifting stance has also led to tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine. After a tense meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House last week, Trump announced a temporary suspension of military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. This decision has added to the instability, as Russian forces continue to bombard Ukraine’s key cities.
Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains resolute in his stance. In a recent address, he stated, “The Kremlin has to be forced into peace,” emphasizing Ukraine’s determination to resist Russia’s demands for territorial concessions.
Putin’s Terms for Peace
Putin’s terms for a ceasefire remain firm. According to sources close to the Russian government, Moscow will reject any ceasefire proposal that involves NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. This stance effectively rules out the possibility of a Franco-British initiative that would deploy a “coalition of the willing” to monitor and enforce a truce.
Putin’s insistence on securing long-term, durable peace with “guarantees for the Russian Federation and its citizens” reflects his desire to solidify Russia’s territorial gains. Speaking at his annual press conference in December, Putin emphasized that “We don’t need a truce – we need peace.”
Global Implications and European Reactions
Trump’s position has sent shockwaves through European capitals, where officials are concerned that a premature peace deal could embolden Russian aggression. An unnamed European diplomat warned, “The risk of rewarding Putin’s invasion is very real. Lifting sanctions now could set a dangerous precedent.”
As the conflict drags on and Russia prepares for a potential spring offensive, the international community remains divided on how best to approach the situation. Trump’s growing influence in shaping U.S. policy on Russia and Ukraine continues to raise alarms, both in Europe and within Ukraine itself.
Conclusion: A Fragile Peace on the Horizon?
The road to peace in Ukraine remains fraught with complexity. While Putin’s willingness to discuss a ceasefire may present an opportunity, the strict conditions tied to such a proposal, combined with Trump’s evolving stance, make any resolution uncertain. As Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russian aggression, the diplomatic landscape remains volatile, and the future of the conflict depends on how key players, including Trump, Putin, and Zelensky, navigate these complex negotiations.