Espreso. Global
OPINION

Trump knows real roadblock to peace lies in Kremlin

27 January, 2025 Monday
18:45

The first round of the U.S.-Russia negotiations has taken place. It occurred remotely and was not very successful

client/title.list_title

Talking to Putin using the language of economic threats and future sanctions is, of course, necessary, but it is unlikely to be effective on its own. The Russian dictator, by strict measures, does not care about the economy or rational arguments.

"However, there is something positive — Trump’s rhetoric clearly acknowledges that the roadblock to peace lies in the Kremlin. That is why he primarily addresses the Russian dictator."

Yet these appeals will only have an impact if the discussion on sanctions is supplemented by arguments about security and geopolitics. Publicly announced intentions to supply weapons to Ukraine in case of failed talks with Russia, strengthening NATO, and creating new channels of communication with countries that hold strategic importance for Russia (China, India) will have a much greater effect on Russia than merely stating the realities of the Russian economy.

Even what may seem like an economic and genuinely important lever of influence on Putin — the intention to collapse oil prices — will only work when geopolitical, not just economic, levers are activated (lifting sanctions on Venezuela, negotiating with OPEC countries).

Another positive aspect is that Trump stubbornly continues to say he will stop the war in Ukraine. Thus, it will not be easy to drop the topic just like that. This means more persuasive and innovative arguments will have to be found. Therefore, a new round of negotiations is to be expected, which must follow the rules of international politics from a position of strength, not just dollars.

Source

About the author: Serhii Taran, political scientist.

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

  • Ihor Reiterovych, head of political and legal programs at the Ukrainian Center for Social Development, believes that the Kremlin does not have a clear understanding of how to respond to Donald Trump's statements
Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Monday
10 February
12:11
Exclusive
Ukraine's Kostiantynivka becomes new focal point for Russian forces — military expert Zgurets
11:49
99 clashes at front on Feb. 9: Ukrainian forces repel 33 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk sector
11:30
Exclusive
Russian army lacks strong reserves in Pokrovsk sector — Ukrainian officer
11:12
Three key factors critical to stabilizing Russian-Ukrainian front — Ukraine’s top general
10:55
Russia can’t ignore heavy losses in Ukraine much longer — NATO military chief
10:37
Ukrainian forces destroy Russian troops trying to raise flags in Toretsk, Donetsk region
10:16
Russia launches overnight drone attack on Ukraine, hitting residential area in Sumy
09:54
Russia’s Krasnodar region reports drone attack: Afipsky oil refinery likely targeted
09:35
Russia loses over 850,000 soldiers in Ukraine since start of invasion
2025, Sunday
9 February
21:30
Drone Line: Ukraine's new large-scale military initiative
21:00
Zelenskyy: Russia pushes for elections in Ukraine to install puppet president
20:30
Zelenskyy: Putin plans to move on Poland, Hungary, Baltics after Ukraine
20:00
Invisible, cheap, and dangerous: Why Russians want to copy Ukraine's Chaklun drone
19:30
Why Hungary will supply Russian gas to Transnistria
19:00
Zelenskyy predicts Ukraine will recover Russian-occupied regions
18:30
Russian forces destroy gas facility in Kharkiv region
18:00
Germany spots suspicious drones over training base
17:35
Partisans identify Russian oil depot in Smolensk region
17:05
"Death to Ukrainians": The Day Muravyov’s army stormed Kyiv
16:35
Higher education and homes: Zelenskyy unveils military recruitment benefits for young men
16:05
Russia deploys Italmas drone – how dangerous is it?
15:35
16-hour battle: Ukraine's 47th brigade repels Russian, North Korean attacks in Kursk region
15:05
Russian tanker carrying 130,000 tons of fuel oil sinks in Leningrad region
14:37
North Korea uses Ukraine war to test military potential, experts say
13:40
Prince Harry honors Ukrainian heroes at Invictus Games 2025 opening
13:17
Exclusive
Russia can't keep advancing: It is running out of reserves
12:30
Russian spy ship ablaze near Syria, but how did it get there? – Defense Express
12:30
Exclusive
War will last years, until Russia's economy is exhausted: What Trump might ask Putin
12:00
Exclusive
Trump compares Ukraine to Gaza: Will he suggest resettling Ukrainians at his meeting with Zelenskyy?
11:30
How Ukrainian Air Defense and drone operators take down Russian military aircraf
11:00
Nuclear plant region in Western Ukraine hit by large-scale Russian attack
10:35
Russia loses aircraft, 24 artillery systems, 1,460 soldiers in one day in Ukraine – General Staff
2025, Saturday
8 February
20:00
Review
AIM-120 missiles: how Ukraine’s F-16s, NASAMS counter air, missile threats
19:40
Debate on peacekeepers in Ukraine are “inappropriate and premature”, says Scholz
19:26
Russia's artillery superiority decreased fivefold over past year - Ukraine’s top general
19:05
Putin expands Russian army for war, and not just against Ukraine — Zelenskyy
18:55
Updated
Ukrainian forces shoot down Russian Su-25 in Donetsk region
18:41
Exclusive
Ukraine’s defeat may prove to be strategic catastrophe for West - Russian opposition politician
18:18
Russian airstrike on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region injures family
17:51
Ukraine’s Kursk operation aims to prevent Russian advance on Sumy, Kharkiv regions - Zelenskyy
More news