Despite the efforts of European allies and loud statements by Donald Trump, negotiations over Ukraine have returned to the starting point, writes the British newspaper The Telegraph.
Russia has officially annexed five Ukrainian regions, although much of the territory remains under Ukrainian control. Kyiv retains at least 13,000 square kilometers in four of them, including Kherson and Zaporizhia.
According to American officials, the Kremlin is reportedly willing to reduce its demands and not insist on handing over these regional centers. However, Putin wants to control about 6,000 square miles of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where about 250,000 people currently live. This region is home to key defensive fortifications that the Ukrainian army cannot afford to lose.
Analysts emphasize that Moscow can only be forced to reduce its appetites through tough sanctions, but Washington does not have sufficient leverage.
“ Few people believe that Trump is capable of putting serious pressure on Putin. He makes loud statements, but does not engage in direct confrontation ,” The Telegraph quotes.
Weapons for the Armed Forces of Ukraine come from the United States, but only on commercial terms. This creates dependency and pushes Ukraine to seek alternative support.
The only notable shift in Trump’s stance has been his willingness to discuss possible security guarantees for Ukraine after the war. But it is still unclear whether these are genuine guarantees like NATO’s Article 5 or just “vague promises.”.
The front line has remained largely unchanged since January. Putin demands control over territories that the Russian army has not even occupied, while Trump avoids maximum pressure on the Kremlin.
“ The bloodiest war in Europe in 80 years continues, and eight months of negotiations have proved futile ,” The Telegraph summarizes.
