Portnikov: The main danger is not Trump’s conversation with Putin, but what follows it
Vitaliy Portnikov has warned that Trump’s conversation with Putin could have consequences for Ukraine. At stake are aid and the course of American policy.
- Author of the publication
-
Vitaliy Portnikov
Although Donald Trump’s irritation with Russia’s actions is an important factor in the context of the war in Ukraine, it is not enough for a real resolution of the conflict. This opinion was expressed by journalist and political commentator Vitaliy Portnikov.
He notes that it is important not to overestimate the role of the American President’s emotions:
«Trump’s irritation is, of course, important in terms of what will happen in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the coming months and years. However, it is not enough to talk about the prospect of a real end to the war, ” he emphasized.
The political commentator also expresses hope that the phone conversation between Trump and Putin scheduled for Monday will not lead to «catastrophic political consequences» for Ukraine and its allies in Europe. In his view, a positive scenario would be Washington’s return to a «common-sense policy, ” which, according to Portnikov, Trump systematically ignores.
«The most likely outcome of this conversation could be an agreement for a personal meeting between the two presidents, ” he believes.
However, Portnikov suggests that Vladimir Putin may avoid such a meeting to refrain from giving direct answers to Trump. In this context, the expert says, the real concern is not the conversation itself but Trump’s behavior afterward.
«Will Trump attempt to temporarily block new aid to Ukraine to avoid irritating Putin and to preserve the possibility of a personal meeting?» Portnikov rhetorically asks.