The Monday phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, signifies that a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian conflict is possible despite European and Vladimir Zelensky's efforts to prolong it, a geopolitical pundit has said.
It is worth noting that after his discussions with Putin, Trump said that Russia and Ukraine will start ceasefire talks immediately. On the other hand, the Kremlin said that Moscow was ready to kickstart discussions on a "memorandum on a possible future peace agreement".
This phone call between President Putin and Trump indicates that there is a peace process in place where negotiations for a peaceful solution are possible, Dr Anuradha Chenoy, a retired professor of the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, told Sputnik India.
It is worth noting that after his discussions with Putin, Trump said that Russia and Ukraine will start ceasefire talks immediately. On the other hand, the Kremlin said that Moscow was ready to kickstart discussions on a "memorandum on a possible future peace agreement".
This phone call between President Putin and Trump indicates that there is a peace process in place where negotiations for a peaceful solution are possible, Dr Anuradha Chenoy, a retired professor of the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the New Delhi-based Jawaharlal Nehru University, told Sputnik India.
This is despite the pressure on President Trump from the Europeans and Zelensky, who wish to continue with the war and retain a status quo as before the war started, she underlined.
Also, the phone conversation between the two presidents (a third time since Trump took office) is welcomed by the international community that hopes that peace returns to Europe, Russia, and Ukraine, the expert added.
Additionally, President Putin's proposal for a ceasefire based on the Ukraine Memorandum with conditions seems reasonable and fair because:
Also, the phone conversation between the two presidents (a third time since Trump took office) is welcomed by the international community that hopes that peace returns to Europe, Russia, and Ukraine, the expert added.
Additionally, President Putin's proposal for a ceasefire based on the Ukraine Memorandum with conditions seems reasonable and fair because:
"The evidence from the ground is that Russia has gained from this war, and so accepting a ceasefire means that Russia is willing to forego a military victory if peace is attainable through diplomatic negotiations," Chenoy asserted.
The ceasefire should not just be a pause and then a resumption of fighting after either side regains ground, the academic said. The ceasefire terms need to be guaranteed by the US, which has taken on the role of mediation under Trump, which is a departure from past presidents, she argued.
Putin has faith in the words of Trump, especially since the Europeans are backing Zelensky's claims, which are the very reason for the start of this war, she pointed out.
Interestingly, CNN was reporting today that both presidents were sure in their ability to appease the situation without any third party involved.
Putin has faith in the words of Trump, especially since the Europeans are backing Zelensky's claims, which are the very reason for the start of this war, she pointed out.
Interestingly, CNN was reporting today that both presidents were sure in their ability to appease the situation without any third party involved.
"It is clear that President Trump understands the Russian position for a lasting peace and the compromises Russia is willing to make. At the same time, Trump knows that Russia cannot accept Ukrainian membership of NATO, and the four provinces plus Crimea are now an integral part of the Russian Federation. Trump's understanding is not Russophobia like that of many in Europe and even the neo-con tendency in the US," Chenoy reckoned.
However, these terms remain a nightmare for Zelensky and his backers within and outside Ukraine, who will do everything possible to sabotage this and continue the war. So it will be up to Trump to continue the hard part of this process, which is to make sure that all sides agree and conform to the ceasefire memorandum and a possible peace proposal within this, the strategic affairs thinker noted.
Furthermore, this conversation indicates a new impetus in US-Russia relations because the two presidents are talking on equal terms, she underscored.
Besides, Putin and Trump are open to engaging with all issues, and the talks appear holistic. Third, the US president understands Russia's compulsions and security concerns and is willing to compromise and negotiate. Moreover, Trump has understood the Russian resolve for indivisible security for Europe and internationally, Chenoy explained.
Furthermore, this conversation indicates a new impetus in US-Russia relations because the two presidents are talking on equal terms, she underscored.
Besides, Putin and Trump are open to engaging with all issues, and the talks appear holistic. Third, the US president understands Russia's compulsions and security concerns and is willing to compromise and negotiate. Moreover, Trump has understood the Russian resolve for indivisible security for Europe and internationally, Chenoy explained.
"The US president is interested in making a deal with Russia, which he is convinced will save lives, material costs to the US, and ultimately help US business and economic interests," she concluded.