What Putin will try "“to sell”" to Trump during the conversation: Political scientist explains
Putin may use a prisoner exchange to pressure Trump, putting the American President in a position to choose between political weakness and imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.
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Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
Russian president Vladimir Putin, during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on May 19, will attempt to “sell” a prisoner exchange with Ukraine as a major victory. In this scenario, the American leader has two possible courses of action.
This opinion was expressed by political scientist Vadym Denysenko on Radio NV.
“Today, Trump will be sold the exchange of a thousand people for a thousand people. This is, of course, a very positive story; it’s incredibly good that our guys are being returned from captivity. But this is exactly what Putin will be "selling" today, by all indications, as a huge victory,” the expert believes.
He added that the Russian president agreed to such a large-scale exchange, understanding that the American leader is essentially backed into a corner. According to Denysenko, Trump has two options to get out of this situation.
“Either look foolish or, in principle, impose stronger sanctions against the Russian Federation. So, I think events will develop in this direction today,” the political scientist said.
The U.S. may impose new sanctions on Russia
Regarding sanctions, he stated that it could involve introducing a regime of 500% tariffs or duties on countries that purchase Russian oil, petroleum products, gas, or products from Rosatom. This is outlined in a bill prepared by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.
“It has already been said that in both the lower and upper chambers of the American Congress, there may not only be a majority in favor of this idea but even a majority that could override Trump’s veto,” the political scientist noted.
“And for Donald Trump himself, this is also an opportunity to tell Putin, "Look, we, of course, wanted to make a big deal and trade Russian oil and gas on the European continent, but here’s the parliament, you see, we have democracy. And now they’re deciding things, and they can even override my veto,” Denysenko described as a hypothetical reaction from Trump.