Context:
The USA and Russia approved steps to resolve the Ukraine war and work toward the improvement of diplomatic and economic relations. This represents a massive shift in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump, signaling the end of a chilly relationship between the two powers.
The Three Main Goals Were Given
- Embassy Staff Reinstatement
- Both countries will deal with getting their full diplomatic missions back in Washington and Moscow.
- High-Level Team for Peace Negotiations on Ukraine
- A team will be installed working on negotiations.
- Economic Cooperation
- Both sides will focus on enhancing economic relations.
Exclusion of Ukraine and European Concerns
- Ukraine’s Position
- President Zelenskyy said Kyiv would not accept any outcome not inclusive of Ukraine.
- European Responses
- Some European allies are cautious about being excluded from a diplomatic endeavor to settle the conflict.
- Putin’s Position
- According to Russia, the officials claim that the United States has started to have a better understanding of Moscow’s position, which it refers to in articles and speeches made by Putin in the past.
Possible Trump Putin Summit
- Planning to Summit
- The talks were meant to pave the way for the meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump with Russia President Vladimir Putin.
- Haven’t Set a Date for the Summit Yet
- Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said although discussions continue, the summit will not be held next week.
Outlook & Blockages
- Geopolitical Outcomes
- An “acceptable end” to the conflict could promote further north-south cooperation between the U.S. and Russia.
- Doubts & Blockages: The absence of Ukraine and the skepticism of almost all Europeans have begun to complicate it further.
If Ukraine’s exclusion and European apprehension could pose some grave hurdles, then on the very start of their talks regarding Ukraine and bilateral relations, the U.S. and Russia have found themselves in a state of alarm.
