• Metascholar News Portal
• International News , News
• February 21, 2025
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• 4 minutes Read

Trump Reignites Russia Ties in Ukraine Peace Talks, Advancing Putin’s Agenda

High-level discussions between senior delegations from the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia may mark a pivotal moment in the effort to end the protracted war in Ukraine. During nearly five hours of negotiations, representatives from both countries reportedly not only explored pathways to a potential peace settlement but also discussed prospective economic and investment opportunities that could arise from such an agreement. While hopes for peace may be cautiously rising, the potential ramifications for Ukraine are less promising. Observers suggest that Ukraine could emerge as the primary loser in this diplomatic maneuvering, while Russian President Vladimir Putin stands to gain significantly. For over two decades, Putin has worked tirelessly to restore Russia’s influence on the global stage, seeking to reclaim the superpower status once held by the Soviet Union. His 2005 declaration that the Soviet Union’s collapse was “the greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century has guided his foreign policy ever since. Now, with U.S. President Donald Trump’s outreach, Putin appears closer than ever to achieving his strategic objectives. Trump’s willingness to engage with Putin on Ukraine effectively elevates Russia’s status, granting Moscow the recognition and respect that Putin has long craved. The symbolism of Washington treating Moscow as an equal partner on such a critical issue is a clear diplomatic win for the Kremlin. The diplomatic developments also suggest growing fractures within the Western alliance. The coalition that has maintained pressure on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago now appears to be showing signs of strain. With Trump at the helm, the U.S. stance on Ukraine is increasingly diverging from that of the European Union and the United Kingdom. A key indicator of this shift came last week when U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the prospect of Ukraine regaining its pre-2014 borders as “unrealistic.” This statement signals a softening of Washington’s position on Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014 a move widely regarded as the beginning of Russia’s war on Ukraine. The renewed dialogue between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further cements Russia’s re-entry onto the global stage. Meanwhile, Putin has not conceded any occupied Ukrainian territory to secure this diplomatic engagement. His steadfast approach has reinforced his image as a leader unwilling to yield to Western pressure a stance that now appears to be bearing fruit. The anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin marks a stark reversal from the isolation Moscow experienced…