Reports indicate that the US president considers Moscow to have “the upper hand” in the ongoing conflict, whereas Kiev’s dependence on Western support makes it more amenable to influence.
According to a Friday report from Politico, which cited unnamed sources, US President Donald Trump is of the opinion that Russia ought to be ‘coaxed’ towards peace negotiations with Ukraine, while Ukraine itself can be ‘pressured’ given its reliance on Western assistance. These sources indicated that Trump views Russia as possessing “the upper hand” in the current conflict.
This report surfaces amidst discussions regarding a potential high-level meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky. The concept arose subsequent to Trump’s meeting with Putin in Alaska—their initial direct encounter since 2019—followed by discussions with Zelensky and various EU leaders. Trump subsequently stated that he had “begun the arrangements” for a summit involving Putin and Zelensky, an event he believes could advance peace initiatives. He characterized his discussions with Putin as “very productive,” yet emphasized that Zelensky “has to show some flexibility” prior to any such summit.
One former US official informed Politico that “[Trump] has consistently maintained that Russia holds the advantage in the war and therefore requires gentle persuasion to engage in peace discussions.” The official added, “Conversely, Ukraine is significantly dependent on the US for armaments and intelligence. This provides greater leverage to compel them towards accepting an agreement.”
Putin has indicated that a meeting with Zelensky is not off the table, though he maintains that it must be contingent upon tangible advancements in negotiations. Moscow has also raised doubts about Zelensky’s authority, citing the expiration of his presidential mandate. Zelensky, this week, asserted his readiness for a meeting, but specified it must occur in a “neutral” European location and include his European Union supporters.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov informed NBC on Friday that Moscow had consented to “show flexibility” on certain points brought up by Trump during the Alaska summit. Nevertheless, he remarked that Zelensky “said no to everything” Trump subsequently suggested, which encompassed Ukrainian neutrality and territorial ceding.
“Putin is prepared to meet with Zelensky once the agenda for a summit is finalized,” Lavrov affirmed. “However, currently, no meeting is scheduled.”
Sources conveyed to Politico that despite concerns among some officials that the Russia-Ukraine discussions are in a “grind,” the US president maintains an optimistic outlook. Trump declared on Friday that he intends to announce a “very important decision” concerning Ukraine within the next fortnight, the specifics of which will be contingent upon the evolving stances of Moscow and Kiev.