The Kremlin’s summary of President Vladimir V. Putin’s call with President Trump reveals that Russia has not shifted from its ambitions in Ukraine and has yielded little. Moscow and Washington’ve spun certain agreements, including a halt on energy infrastructure strikes and prisoner exchange, as concessions. Nonetheless, these were long-sought goals for the Kremlin. Ukraine and Russia had previously avoided striking energy infrastructure, Russia has conducted prisoner exchanges benefiting the Kremlin, and uninterrupted trading in the Black Sea is essential to Russia’s economy. Mr. Putin’s demands on Ukraine remain unchanged, with a comprehensive 30-day cease-fire that is unlikely to be accepted by Ukraine and accusations of “barbaric terrorist crimes” in the Kursk region of Russia. Mr. Putin also emphasized that halting outside military support for Kyiv is his key condition; this would drastically weaken Ukraine. Russia may hope that Washington, already impatient with the situation, disconnects from Ukraine, letting Russia continue its war, and allowing for normal relations with the U.S. to resume. Andrea Kendall-Taylor from the Center for a New American Security believes Putin wants to keep Trump engaged just enough to see what he can achieve, feeling Trump won’t significantly pressure Russia. Russia is participating in the negotiations, likely seeing any talks as tools to buy time and unsettle their adversaries. Andras Racz from the German Council on Foreign Relations said that Washington’s push for a quick resolution gives an advantage to Moscow, which isn’t in a hurry. Russia aims to hold broader talks on European security, with Putin hoping Washington will accept an arrangement that weakens U.S. influence in Europe. While giving little on Ukraine, Russia is tempting Washington with rare earth metals and energy investments. The Kremlin might be hoping to restore ties with the U.S. without the condition of ceasing the Ukraine conflict. It’s employing a strategy where it’s presenting all potential benefits of a renewed relationship for the U.S. They understand Trump’s weaknesses, massaging his ego and potentially positioning themselves to win in these diplomatic moves.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/19/world/europe/trump-putin-call-russia-ukraine-war.html