Putin likes idea of geopolitical deal with Trump—but on his terms

Putin allowed the head of the White House to demonstrate “tangible progress” in settling a three-year-long conflict. But not so tangible that the 47th president of the United States could feel like the dominant leader in this relationship.

Trump “lost” the first phone sparring match with Putin: he failed to persuade the Kremlin dictator to agree to a complete ceasefire.

The U.S. leader was so disappointed with the conversation that he even canceled the final press conference. All because his ability to influence the Kremlin is clearly overestimated.

"The main outcome — Putin agreed to a mutual halt to attacks on energy infrastructure, and they also agreed to continue talks on easing navigation in the Black Sea. After the creation of the “grain corridor,” this is the most serious step toward de-escalation. But it’s far from what the “47th” president had promised."

Although… I forgot to mention a personal bonus for the man in the bunker: there will be more hockey matches between NHL and KHL teams — Putin’s favorite sport. We might even see both presidents in the same VIP box, chanting “puck, puck” in unison.

Putin is making it clear that he likes the idea of a geopolitical deal with Trump — but he wants to strike it on his own terms. So Washington’s blitzkrieg might not happen unless the U.S. backs down under pressure from Russia — in other words, accepts all of the bunker man’s ultimatums.

The only question is whether Trump will move on to his announced Plan B, in which he threatens the Kremlin, imposes sanctions, and floods Ukraine with weapons. For now, no matter how much the political core of the “47th” may be boiling, outwardly he radiates heroic optimism.

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About the author: Orest Sokhar, journalist, Obozrevatel editor-in-chief.

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.