**Getting Lost in the Kremlin: A Rollercoaster of Diplomacy**
It’s 2:30am, and I’m wandering alone through the vast grounds of the Kremlin, trying to find my way out. But it’s not just me who’s lost – it’s the world that seems to be spinning around Ukraine and Russia.
The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of diplomacy, with President Putin delivering a statement on Russian TV proposing direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. The event was shrouded in mystery, but what followed was a series of phone calls and meetings that left many wondering if we’re any closer to peace.
**A Series of Sidesteps**
The Kremlin’s latest move is to propose direct talks with Ukraine, but it’s clear that Moscow has no intention of signing an unconditional comprehensive ceasefire. Russia continues to occupy Ukrainian land, pushing for more control over the region.
European leaders had issued an ultimatum to President Putin, demanding an unconditional long-term ceasefire in two days or face crushing new sanctions. But Putin sidestepped the demand with his counter proposal, which was enough to placate Donald Trump and convince him that Russia was serious about wanting peace.
The past fortnight has revealed a lot about how Russia operates. It’s clear that Moscow uses diplomacy as a way to buy time, to push for its own agenda while avoiding making concessions. The Ukrainian peace process is starting to resemble being lost in the Kremlin late at night – it’s hard to see an exit.
**A New Era of Confidence**
Russia is now more confident than ever, believing that it has strengthened its hand through diplomacy. The Russian media is celebrating Moscow’s success, with papers declaring that Russia has “won the latest round of global poker.”
Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine has been seen as advantageous to Russia, with some even calling him an ideological partner. But this confidence comes at a cost – the US Senate has threatened tough new sanctions against Russia if it doesn’t get serious about diplomacy.
**A Reluctant Trump**
Meanwhile, President Trump seems reluctant to take a tougher line on Russia. Despite his initial promise to settle the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, there’s been no follow-through. Instead, he’s signaled that he wants to reboot US-Russia relations, whatever happens in Ukraine.
It’s clear that Moscow senses this reluctance, and is using it to its advantage. The Russian government paper Rossiyskaya Gazeta has even declared that President Trump doesn’t link continued US-Russia dialogue to the Ukraine peace process.
**A Long Road Ahead**
As I finally find my way out of the Kremlin at 2:30am, it’s clear that the road ahead will be long and difficult. The Ukrainian peace process is far from over, and Russia continues to push its own agenda.
But for now, Moscow seems confident that it can continue to sidestep pressure and avoid making concessions. It remains to be seen whether this confidence will be justified – or if the world will eventually wake up to the reality of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
