**Russia Plays Hard to Get, Trump Looks the Other Way**
The recent Istanbul meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations was supposed to be a breakthrough in the peace talks. But instead of progress, it was a repeat of Russia’s old tricks. The Kremlin once again refused to agree to a ceasefire, despite being the one who initially proposed the talks.
President Vladimir Putin has been playing a cat-and-mouse game with President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European allies for months now. He promised to attend the peace talks, but then sent a team that was unwilling to negotiate. The Russian delegation even insisted that Ukraine withdraw from four regions that Russia had illegally annexed in 2022.
The Ukrainian side was understandably frustrated with the lack of progress. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called out Russia’s refusal to agree to a prisoner swap and ceasefire on social media, while lawmakers in Kyiv expressed their disappointment and concern for the future of Ukraine.
**A History of Betrayal**
For many Ukrainians, this is not the first time they have been let down by Russian promises. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 was just one example of how Russia has consistently shown its true intentions towards Ukraine. The latest developments are a reminder that Putin’s word cannot be trusted.
The fact that President Trump seems willing to take what Russia says at face value is even more worrying for Ukraine. As one Ukrainian lawmaker put it, “He is not ready to accept that Russia is cheating him and making him look like a fool.”
**A Warning to the West**
Ukrainian lawmakers are now warning the West that Putin’s tactics will only lead to more suffering in Ukraine. They are calling on leaders to take a stronger stance against Russian aggression.
As Ambassador Kurt Volker, a former US special representative for Ukraine, noted, “The spotlight keeps getting brighter on Putin.” It’s high time for the West to wake up and realize what’s really going on here.
**A Long Road Ahead**
For now, it seems like Ukraine is facing another long and difficult road ahead. The Istanbul talks have ended with little progress, and the Kremlin shows no signs of changing its tactics.
As one Ukrainian woman living in Russian-occupied territory said, “I’m begging you to help us drive this ferocious Russian pack out of our country.” It’s time for world leaders to listen and take action before it’s too late.
