Russian President Vladimir Putin sees an opportunity in Donald Trump’s administration to achieve his goal of resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Despite facing opposition from within Europe and without clear objectives, Putin views a potential deal with Trump as a way to weaken Ukrainian resolve and further Russia’s interests.
Putin has not publicly stated what he considers a “win” in Ukraine, but it is understood that he wants to maintain Russian sovereignty over Crimea, which was annexed in 2014. Negotiations between the two leaders have begun in Saudi Arabia, with the first formal talks taking place on February 18th.
Trump’s involvement in the negotiations has raised concerns among Europeans, who fear that his approach could be seen as shakedown diplomacy. The American president’s reputation for erratic behavior and willingness to make concessions have led some to question whether he will prioritize Russia’s interests over those of Ukraine.
The situation remains fluid, with various factions within Europe pushing different agendas. While some advocate for military intervention in Ukraine, others are skeptical of the effectiveness of such a move. As negotiations between Putin and Trump continue, it is unclear what ultimate outcome can be expected.
Source: https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/02/18/how-vladimir-putin-plans-to-play-donald-trump