In the world of international politics, there is a delicate dance happening between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. They are sending signals, making gestures towards each other, setting up phone or in-person meetings, using conditional statements to wait for the other to make the first move. It’s like watching two teenagers who like each other but are hesitant to take the next step. Both are trying to gauge if there is a possibility to end the most catastrophic war on European soil since World War II on favorable terms. However, they both know it will be extremely challenging: Washington cannot betray Kiev, and Moscow cannot accept that hundreds of thousands of Russians died in vain. And in the middle is Ukraine, fearing being sidelined and abandoned.
“Let’s Stop This Ridiculous War”
Ukraine is “ready for a peace deal,” but whether it materializes “depends on Russia,” said Trump during a call to Davos. Suddenly, advocating for a negotiated solution to the war, which was a taboo for two and a half years, is now seen as the only reasonable option. Even Volodymyr Zelensky, who previously talked about “victory” on the battlefield and how missiles would help contain the Russian bear, is now discussing the number of peacekeepers needed to prevent a new conflict once the current one is stopped.
The Emperor Has No Clothes
“No more lives should be lost,” wrote Trump simply on the social platform Truth, causing a stir akin to the child in Andersen’s famous tale who points out that the emperor has no clothes while everyone pretends to see a reality that doesn’t exist.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, over 12,300 civilians, including at least 650 children, have died. The conflict is escalating, with civilian casualties increasing by 30% from September to November last year compared to the previous year, according to the UN.
250,000 Deaths Between Russia and Ukraine
The most staggering figures concern the soldiers. While Moscow and Kiev keep military casualties secret, recent investigations estimate that over 100,000 Ukrainian and 150,000 Russian soldiers have died in almost three years of war. Trump’s warnings to stop the bloodshed and impose sanctions on Russia if an agreement is not reached are becoming more urgent.
Putin’s Praise
Putin welcomes Trump’s words with open arms, suggesting a meeting to discuss shared interests. However, reaching an agreement will be tough. Putin has always used dialogue to achieve what he has not yet conquered militarily. Trump will need exceptional diplomatic skills to convince Moscow and Kiev to come to terms.
The EU’s Stance
While Trump initially claimed he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours (later adjusting it to six months), the EU, previously a staunch supporter of Ukraine, now seems resigned to accept any solution. As the future of the continent hangs in the balance, the EU watches passively.
