Russian Media Interpret Putin-Trump Call as Kremlin Success
Moscow perceives the recent phone conversation between Presidents Putin and Trump as favorable, particularly for the Kremlin, according to prominent Russian news outlets.
Headlines Highlight Potential Shift in US-Russia Relations
Major publications suggest a positive trajectory following the leaders’ discussion.
- Izvestia: “Putin and Trump Agreed to Collaborate on Ukraine Resolution.”
- Komsomolskaya Pravda: “Record-Long Putin-Trump Call,” further stating on its website, “Russia appears to have achieved a diplomatic victory.”
Why Russia Views the Call as a “Victory”
The perception of “victory” in Russia stems from the fact that President Putin apparently faced no significant pressure to concede ground on Ukraine or US demands during the two-hour exchange. Instead of yielding on key issues, Putin seemingly deflected calls for immediate action.
Notably, President Trump’s administration did not respond with increased pressure, such as amplified sanctions threats, to enforce a ceasefire. Conversely, the US reaction included commendation for the Russian president.
“We had a great call,” President Trump told Fox News in an interview.
Steve Witkoff, a US envoy, further remarked, “I would commend President Putin for all he did today on that call to move his country close to a final peace deal.”
Putin’s Conditions for Resolving the Conflict in Ukraine
Moscow not only avoided committing to an unconditional ceasefire but also presented its own preconditions for establishing peace. These stipulations are seen by many as demanding significant concessions from Ukraine.
Kremlin Demands Prioritize Russian Interests
Putin’s conditions reportedly include:
- Cessation of Western military assistance to Kyiv.
- Ending intelligence sharing between Western nations and Ukraine.
- Halting mobilization efforts within Ukraine.
These demands are widely interpreted as measures aimed at securing Ukraine’s capitulation.
Kyiv is unlikely to agree to such terms.
Will Washington Shift its Stance on Ukraine?
A key question remains whether the Trump administration might eventually become convinced by Moscow that these conditions are acceptable. If so, it is uncertain whether Washington would exert pressure on Ukraine to comply.
Much could hinge on the Kremlin’s ability to persuade President Trump that closer ties with Moscow offer greater benefits than staunchly supporting Ukraine.
Economic Incentives Proposed to the United States
Russian officials are reportedly emphasizing potential economic advantages to the US in discussions, highlighting the mutually beneficial prospects of improved bilateral relations and joint projects.
President Putin recently suggested potential US-Russian collaboration in sectors like aluminum production and rare minerals extraction.
Trump Expresses Interest in Economic Cooperation
This message appears to be resonating. “We’d like to have more trade with Russia,” President Trump stated in the Fox News interview.
He added, “They have some very valuable things for us, including rare earth. They have a big chunk of real estate, the biggest in the world. They have things that we could use.”
Economic Ties as Leverage in US-Russia Relations
Moscow may be wagering that President Trump will prioritize acquiring “Russian real estate” and other economic benefits over ensuring a favorable resolution for Ukraine to end the conflict.
This sentiment is echoed by Izvestia, a pro-Kremlin newspaper:
“Moscow’s strategy is to make economic relations with America so advantageous that disrupting them would be excessively detrimental for the United States.”
Negotiations Continue Amidst Shifting Dynamics
Following Ukraine’s agreement to an unconditional ceasefire previously, the US administration declared that “the ball is in [Russia’s] court.”
Now, with President Putin’s rejection of that deal and counter-conditions, the Kremlin has effectively returned the initiative to Washington.
Despite these shifts, discussions between Russia and the US are expected to continue, encompassing both the Ukraine situation and broader US-Russian relations.
The direction of these ongoing negotiations will likely significantly shape President Trump’s subsequent actions.