This article discusses the prospects of a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, particularly in light of Trump’s presidency. Here are the main points:
1. **Trump’s team favors Ukraine**: The article suggests that Trump’s peace proposals favor Ukraine rather than Russia.
2. **Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance**: Putin is reluctant to reach a compromise and has made several demands, including a ceasefire, withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from certain regions, lifting of Western sanctions against Russia, and refusal of Ukraine joining NATO.
3. **Ukraine’s position**: Ukraine’s peace formula involves punishing war crimes, withdrawing all Russian troops, restoring territorial integrity, and releasing prisoners of war and deportees.
4. **Uncertainty surrounding a Trump-Putin meeting**: A face-to-face meeting between the two leaders is uncertain, with Putin unwilling to commit to any plans until after Trump’s inauguration.
5. **Expert opinions**: Experts are skeptical about Putin making concessions due to Russia’s control over Ukraine’s territories and its military capabilities.
6. **Conditionality of U.S. aid**: The article suggests that the U.S. administration may use conditionality of aid as a lever with Kyiv to get a peace deal, but this would require significant concessions from Ukraine.
Overall, the article highlights the complexity and uncertainty surrounding a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, particularly in light of Trump’s presidency and Putin’s reluctance to make concessions.
