Putin calls Trump ‘smart’ when commenting on US mediation in conflict
Putin explained in June what he is looking for to start peace negotiations. The Russian president wants Ukraine to give up its ambitions to join NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and hand over four provinces claimed by Moscow. The Russian government assesses that the terms reflect reality on the battlefield, where Russian forces are advancing. Ukraine, on the other hand, claims that the Russian terms would amount to an unacceptable capitulation for Kiev, according to Reuters.
US mediation under Trump
The Russian invasion of Ukraine completed 1,000 days this week amid doubts about what the US position will be after Trump’s election. Critical of the billions of dollars of US aid given to Ukraine, the president-elect promised to resolve the conflict even before taking office on January 20.
Ukrainian government fears being forced into negotiations with an unfavorable position. Trump, who has not yet explained how he plans to reach a ceasefire between the countries, chose retired general Keith Kellogg as his future envoy to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, who has sought concessions from Kiev in exchange for peace talks, is considered a key player in Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict.
Kellogg has already stated that “any future US military aid will require Ukraine to participate in peace negotiations with Russia.” In a note published in April 2024, he also defended the prolonged postponement of Ukraine’s NATO membership to “convince Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks.”
Brazil’s position
The Brazilian president said that it is necessary to avoid escalating the war between Russia and Ukraine, but avoided a more forceful position in relation to the conflict. Lula’s (PT) statement was made in a video speech broadcast at the Brics summit at the end of October. Previously, during the UN (United Nations) assembly in September, Zelenski accused Brazil and China of strengthening Putin with an alternative peace plan.
