Trump’s plan to end Russia-Ukraine war will not translate into fast results, because the issue is highly complex, and neither Putin, nor Zelenskyy works at Trump’s speed.
President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkfoff visited Moscow to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Trump’s proposed ceasefire in Ukraine on Thursday. While the White House has yet to comment on the meeting, Russian media reported that it had taken place late Thursday and that Putin had sent a «message» to Trump via Witkoff.
During a Thursday press conference, Putin thanked Trump for his efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine and said that he was «for» the idea but that «there are nuances.» In a seven-minute-30-second speech, the Russian strongman outlined a list of issues associated with concluding a 30-day ceasefire, including difficulties with verifying potential violations. Before Putin’s address, presidential aid Yuri Ushakov, speaking on Russian national TV, had ruled out a temporary ceasefire, calling it «some steps imitating peaceful activities.» Putin indicated that he wanted to have a phone call with President Trump.
Zelenskyy slammed Putin for being «very manipulative» and accused Putin of «actually preparing a refusal.» Late last month, Trump slammed Zelenskyy for declaring that the peace deal was «very far away», calling it «the worst statement» and saying, «America will not put up with it for much longer!»
But Zelenskyy is correct – peace in Ukraine is a long way off. Putin is highly unlikely to accept President Trump’s current peace plan. Here’s why.
Famous for his tireless work ethic, Trump demands that his staff accomplish things at record speeds, or «in Trump time», as Peter Navarro, the president’s senior advisor and principal architect of Trump’s tariff doctrine called it in his best-selling book, with the same name.
It is understandable that Trump wants to keep his campaign promise and stop the bloodshed on the Eurasian landmass quickly.
But with all due respect to President Trump and his accomplishments, the Russia-Ukraine situation is extremely complex. Russia has a very different strategic culture from Western culture. And Putin is an entirely different kind of animal from anyone Trump has dealt with before.
