Putin made Trump wait, then strung him along – it’s clear his war aims in Ukraine have not changed - theconversation.com

Putin's Ukraine Strategy: Despite Overtures, Core War Aims Remain Unchanged

Recent interactions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump have sparked renewed debate about the Kremlin's intentions in Ukraine. While diplomatic channels may appear open, analysis suggests that Putin's fundamental objectives in the conflict have remained steadfast. A recent piece from theconversation.com highlights this very point, suggesting any perceived flexibility is merely strategic maneuvering.

The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has dramatically reshaped the geopolitical landscape. Initial expectations of a swift Russian victory were quickly dashed by fierce Ukrainian resistance, backed by substantial Western military and financial aid. The conflict has since evolved into a grinding war of attrition, with both sides suffering significant casualties and material losses.

Recently, reports have emerged detailing conversations between Putin and Trump, including accounts where Putin allegedly made Trump wait, then strung him along. This dynamic, coupled with renewed discussions of potential ceasefire agreements, has led some to believe that Russia might be softening its stance. However, observers caution against interpreting these interactions as a genuine shift in Moscow's underlying war aims in Ukraine. The White House confirmed that fresh Ukraine talks are set to begin 'immediately' following a conversation after Trump-Putin call, as reported by BBC.com.

The Washington Post suggests that For Russia, Trump-Putin call marks Moscow’s return to the world stage. Furthermore, The Economist writes that Putin woos Trump with a partial ceasefire and big geopolitical deal. However, these potential deals may not mean what people may perceive.

"It's crucial to differentiate between tactical adjustments and strategic goals," notes Dr. Anya Sharma, a political science professor specializing in Russian foreign policy. "Putin may be willing to engage in negotiations to consolidate territorial gains, alleviate international pressure, or buy time to rearm and regroup. But these are simply tactics to achieve a larger objective: a weakened, destabilized Ukraine under Moscow's sphere of influence." The Kremlin has long sought to prevent Ukraine from fully integrating into Western institutions like NATO and the European Union, and this ambition likely remains central to its calculus.

The Associated Press wrote What the White House and Kremlin said about the Trump-Putin call. This call is crucial in that it is giving insight into the current state of affairs between the two leaders.

It’s clear that Putin’s core war aims in Ukraine have not changed. Any ceasefire or negotiated settlement is likely to be contingent on terms that would fundamentally compromise Ukraine's sovereignty and security. "We should not underestimate Putin's commitment to reshaping the European security order," warns former diplomat, Ambassador Ken Matthews. "He views the war in Ukraine as part of a broader struggle against Western hegemony, and he's unlikely to back down unless faced with overwhelming force or unacceptable costs."

Moving forward, it is crucial for Western policymakers to approach any engagement with Russia with a clear understanding of Putin's long-term objectives. Support for Ukraine's defense capabilities must remain unwavering, and diplomatic efforts should focus on achieving a just and sustainable peace that respects Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Failure to do so risks emboldening Putin and setting a dangerous precedent for future aggression.