“Problem is Trump’s alternative reality” — Russian opposition expert on Ukraine peace talks

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

“On May 19, during a conversation with Putin, Trump once again insisted on implementing his plan in a rather simple manner, without offering any new arguments: a 30-day ceasefire to initiate the process. Putin, as before, maneuvered carefully, likely expressing his own support for ending the war but emphasizing that ‘there are certain nuances.’ There is no doubt that Putin told journalists that Trump presented his position and they presented theirs. That, I believe, sums up the exchange. The main takeaway is that it’s time for Trump to draw final conclusions, as it’s clear the plan he proposed has failed and reached a dead end. Moreover, despite his conversation with Putin, Trump continues to act as if the negotiation process is proceeding normally,” Alexander Morozov commented.

He says Donald Trump takes a position but doesn’t stick to it if he doesn’t see quick results or benefits. When he makes a mistake, he won’t admit it and just moves forward. This applies to everything, including tariffs and his comments on the European Union and the Middle East. In the nearly four months of his current cycle, Trump has spoken about the Houthis, plans for the Gaza Strip, and Iran.

“In my view, Trump lives in an alternate reality — and that’s the problem. Until recently, we had one alternate reality, shaped by Putin and the Kremlin’s version of events. Now, Trump seems to have his own alternate reality because what he says is hard to believe. Putin has clearly insisted on the four points of his ultimatum from June 2024. So why does Trump claim to have a great relationship with Putin? Why does he say his problem is more with Ukraine and its negotiating position than with the Kremlin? Everyone can see that Kyiv has responded to all U.S. proposals, including the minerals deal and the 30-day ceasefire idea. Kyiv has answered everything. It’s clear that Trump has issues with Putin, not Zelenskyy,” the political analyst stressed.

He believes it’s pointless to keep telling Trump that the United States is offering the Kremlin very favorable economic terms if Russia agrees to end the war. Continuing to repeat this only means insisting on an alternative reality.

“Everyone already sees that the Kremlin won’t accept any economic agreements with Washington. Instead, it will manipulate the negotiations to its own advantage. This is a big issue. But I believe Trump, because of his temperament and character, can’t admit he’s losing and quickly change his strategy. He is stuck in this situation,” Morozov summarized.

• On May 19, U.S. President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Trump said that Russia and Ukraine would immediately begin negotiations on a ceasefire and end the war. The U.S. president also spoke with President Zelenskyy.