Putin rejects Trump’s ideas for ending the war: How to change the dictator’s stance
Putin relies not only on his own resources but also expects support from China and North Korea to continue hostilities.
- Author of the publication
-
Vladimir Putin / © Associated Press
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has effectively rejected all of Donald Trump’s ideas for ending the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin leader believes he doesn’t need them, convinced that he will win regardless — it’s just a matter of time. However, there is a way to make the Russian president more amenable.
This was stated by political scientist Petro Oleshchuk in an interview with 24 Kanal.
How to make Putin consider ending the war
Ukraine needs to shift the balance of power on the frontline. According to the political scientist, instead of a slow, creeping Russian advance, a situation must emerge where Russia’s future in the war no longer seems so predictable or advantageous. In other words, Putin must face setbacks that make him realize the real risks of continuing the war.
“A certain number of defeats on the frontline will make Putin far more amenable,” Oleshchuk emphasizes.
Clearly, this requires adequate resources. Trump often manipulates figures, claiming the U.S. has spent $350 billion on aid to Ukraine, which is not true. In reality, U.S. spending on Ukraine is significantly less than the potential cost of global escalation — up to the risk of a Third World War.
In Oleshchuk’s view, investing resources to change the frontline situation and then entering negotiations from a stronger position is a entirely realistic option. The political scientist believes there are people in Trump’s administration who understand this. However, they are unlikely to say so openly, as those around Trump typically voice only what the U.S. President wants to hear.
“Will Trump’s position change? Perhaps. But I don’t see this as the most realistic scenario right now. For Trump to take concrete steps, Putin has already given him more than enough reasons. The idea that "one more conversation with Putin will clear everything up" is misguided,” the political scientist stressed.
If Trump doesn’t trust Ukrainians, he could speak with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron has plenty to say about the true cost of negotiating with a dictator and what such talks actually lead to.