Recently, retired U.S. Army General Keith Kellogg shared with Fox News that Russia hasn’t made significant advances in the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that they have yet to win this war.
Now, interestingly, former President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. This conversation came amid discussions of possible economic sanctions and resuming military aid to Ukraine, which seemed to have shifted into the background.
In a post on X, Trump mentioned that his phone call with Putin didn’t reveal anything unexpected. Before this chat, senior European diplomats suggested that Putin was attempting to persuade Trump he was genuinely seeking peace in Ukraine, while subtly ensuring those efforts wouldn’t gain traction. It seems Trump may have bought into that narrative again.
Adhering to the wisdom of Sun Tzu, Putin certainly knows his adversaries well. Their dialogue appeared successful from Putin’s perspective, with Russian officials reporting the leaders said, “I don’t want to say goodbye.” This dynamic seems to fuel Trump’s deal-maker persona, coupled with a sense of ego that echoes KGB tactics from the past.
An April signing of a mineral trade agreement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky doesn’t seem to have satisfied Russia, however. It’s possible that this engagement may not significantly appease the regional appetite for peace.
Regrettably, it appears Trump is prioritizing economic outcomes over the safety of NATO allies and Ukraine. In a statement, he noted, “Russia wants to engage in extensive trade with the U.S. once this terrible ‘bloodbath’ concludes.” It’s puzzling, really; many European leaders expressed disappointment that the U.S. president seems hesitant to apply pressure to the Kremlin. It’s as if they await the U.S. to lead the way without being willing to act themselves.
European leaders certainly have insightful strategies but seem to lack the boldness to implement them independently. Perhaps it’s time for them to take decisive action.
Monday’s talks didn’t alter the status quo, as Russian and Ukrainian diplomats met for a brief session in Istanbul. Putin gained what he wanted—more time to create division between the U.S. and NATO allies. What Putin conveys to Trump isn’t necessarily what his negotiators will share with others, particularly Zelensky and his European partners. This appears to fit Putin’s broader strategy of sowing discord.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov quickly dampened hopes for a rapid resolution, indicating that ending the war would involve, “a rather laborious and perhaps prolonged process.”
Putin has not yet agreed to Trump’s initial ceasefire proposal, and the Kremlin’s demands continue to escalate. They have even threatened further territorial claims in Ukraine if their conditions are unmet.
In essence, foreign reports highlight that Putin is quite sure his military will breach Ukraine’s defenses by year’s end. While bold claims might not be backed by immediate reality, Trump seems reflective about supporting them.
Historically, it has been challenging to win a modern war solely through brute force. Russian casualties are nearing a million, with significant losses reported just last weekend. It’s noteworthy that the Kremlin has changed military leadership, indicating internal pressures.
When traditional military strategies fail, it appears Putin resorts to tactics that produce immediate results: targeting civilians, issuing nuclear threats, and creating distractions.
This could explain the extensive drone strikes recently reported over Ukrainian cities. Russia’s military action seems to aim at projecting power through fear and coercion.
Last week, troops amassed at the Finnish border, demonstrating Russia’s aggressive posture. Proposals from Istanbul were viewed as unrealistic by both sides, and with both nations unwilling to compromise, a resolution seems elusive.
It might be more beneficial for Trump to reconsider his dialogue approach, recognizing that economic interests alone won’t solve the conflict. The West, particularly the U.S. and NATO, needs to ramp up their support for Ukraine.
This decision is now firmly on European leaders’ shoulders. It’s clear Putin isn’t interested in peace talks or ceasefires—his officials have stated a desire for total victory.
As the Russian narrative suggests, peace will only be a possibility when Ukraine stops putting up resistance. History shows that temporary agreements fell short of lasting change.
The sooner Trump comes to terms with this reality, the better.
According to former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Putin seems determined to resurrect the Russian Empire, and Trump appears to be running out of justifications for Putin’s aggressive actions.
Despite the odds, Ukraine still has the potential to succeed in this conflict, but Europe urgently needs strong leadership akin to that of Winston Churchill. As European leaders gather, they must recognize that waiting for Trump isn’t a sound strategy if they hope to counteract Putin’s maneuvers.
