**Russia’s Tough Stance on Ukraine Talks Exposes Trump’s Dilemma**
The recent meeting between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul has made it clear that Russia is not yet ready to make peace. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky delivered a stern message to the Ukrainian delegation: “We fought Sweden for 21 years. How long are you ready to fight?” This warning was followed by another statement that read: “Maybe some of those sitting here at this table will lose more of their loved ones. Russia is prepared to fight forever.”
Russia’s demands have not changed since the beginning of the war, and they include territorial concessions from Ukraine, a significantly downsized Ukrainian military, guarantees that Ukraine would never join NATO, and no NATO troops stationed in Ukraine. These ultimatums were being voiced at the negotiating table while the Kremlin was ramping up pressure on the battlefield. Analysts say Russia is amassing troops in the east, preparing for a new offensive to seize more territory before entering real negotiations.
**Putin’s Unyielding Position**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that his demands remain unchanged, and Ukraine will have to meet them if there is to be any progress towards peace. This stance has put US President Donald Trump in a difficult position. Trump had been promoting the idea of a “quick peace” but now faces the reality that Putin’s resistance to talks may mean that the roadblock to peace lies with him, not Ukraine.
**The Price of Not Making Peace**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hit back at Trump, saying: “Trump needs to believe that Putin actually lies.” This is a reference to the lack of progress on implementing tough sanctions on Russia in response to its continued aggression. Despite Ukraine’s allies proposing a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting May 12, Russian troops have not stopped fighting. No measures have been introduced against Russia for refusing this proposal.
**The Energy Lifeline**
Now, the question emerges whether Trump is willing to use his power to pressure Putin into moving towards peace – especially by shutting down Russia’s economic lifeline: its energy exports. Ukraine and other European countries had proposed a 30-day ceasefire in exchange for imposing tough sanctions on Russia if it refused. Russian troops have not stopped fighting, and still no measures have been taken against them.
The sanctions advisor to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has said that Russia has lost at least $150 billion due to sanctions but still manages to maintain its military power. The failure of the Istanbul talks raises serious questions about Trump’s willingness to take a tougher stance on Putin, or if he will accept Russia’s peace terms, which are far from satisfactory.
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