Lens on Russia: Decoding the Fallout from Trump-Putin's Call on Ukraine
- by Elena G
- ~ 4 Mins
Investigating the Content of Trump-Putin Conference Call in Moscow - Examining the Secret Trump-Putin Call in Russia's Context
The hotly anticipated phone chat between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on Tuesday afternoon, German time, was lined with anticipation - but the call ended with a tight deal: Russia would postpone attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days, provided Ukraine also held off. The Kremlin swiftly confirmed Putin's orders to the military to oblige, as per Trump's statement, effective immediately.
Yet, mere hours later, Russia fired off multiple drone assaults on the Kyiv region, along with various other Ukrainian regions. According to Ukrainian authorities, a hospital in Sumy was one of the targets.
Putin's Propaganda: War and Peace in Ukraine
So, how about the reaction of Russian media and political heavyweights to the call? A systematic pattern emerges, portraying Ukrainian President Zelensky as a war agitator, while Putin is positioned as the avatar of Ukrainian peace. Let's delve into the finer details:
State-owned Television Channel 1TV:
"While Western media speculated which side held the upper hand in the negotiations to iron out the Ukraine conflict, Russian President Putin scored a surprise move - not a ball, but a hockey puck, reminiscent of those played during the legendary Olympic Games in Lake Placid (1980). Moscow's proposal to organize ice hockey matches between the teams of both countries generated considerable curiosity, with memories of the US team's historic victory. Although the outcome of the potential games remains uncertain, this very idea from Moscow hinted at easing of bilateral tensions. Adding further fuel to the fire, the announced prisoner exchange of 175 individuals and the transfer of 23 severely injured Ukrainian soldiers as a gesture of goodwill significantly bolstered feelings of compromise (...)."
Newspaper "Vedomosti":
"Post-call, the White House published a statement, indicating that the heads of state had discussed potential developments in the relationship between the US and Russia. The importance of improved relations between the two nations was emphasized, as it would present significant opportunities for both countries. Furthermore, increased bilateral cooperation following the resolution of the conflict was highlighted as paving the way for extensive economic agreements and heightened global stability."
Newspaper "Moskowski Komsomolez":
The feedback from Europe regarding the conversation between Russian President Putin and American President Trump was insignificant, given Europe's already lost independent position in the Ukraine conflict, claimed Chinese expert Cui Heng in an interview with RIA Novosti.
"'Regardless of whether Europe is displeased about the conversation between Putin and Trump or not - it does not matter. Neither Putin nor Trump are affected by it because Europe has already relinquished its independent stance in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. If there is no independent position, there is no value.'"
Daily Newspaper "Komsomolskaja Prawda":
"(The negotiations, Ed. note) extended an impressive 2 hours and 28 minutes, considering the record is yet to be beaten by any other American president, in terms of length of conversation with Putin. The length of the conversation confirmed that Russia and America remain divided by global issues that have accrued over time. The presidents must collaborate to tackle and coordinate numerous matters."
Former President Dmitri Medvedev (now deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council):
"The phone conversation between Presidents Putin and Trump validated an old adage - it's just Russia and America at the negotiating table. Appetizer offerings included Brussels sprouts, British fish and chips, and a Parisian rooster. The main course - Kiev cutlet."
Konstantin Kosachev, deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council:
"The most notable impression - it was a dialogue, not two monologues. There was no attempt to impose conditions, as many had anticipated - either accept our conditions or shoulder the responsibility for all the consequences. Russia did not succumb to the tactic, but America did not succumb to the needless path (...) Overall, it can be surmised: Diplomacy is alive and well."
Kirill Dmitriev, special representative of the Russian president:
"Under the guidance of Presidents Putin and Trump, the world is less chaotic and more secure today."
Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry:
"The EU has frequently stated, 'The ball is in Moscow's court.' It turns out to be a hockey puck. And it's in the game."
Sources: 1TV / Dmitri Medvedev on X / Konstantin Kosachev on Telegram / Kirill Dmitriev on X / Vedomosti / Maria Zakharova on Telegram / Moskovsky Komsomolets / Komsomolskaya Pravda / With material from the agencies
Insight:
Russian media and political figures generally reacted favorably to the call between Trump and Putin, emphasizing the agreed-upon pause in attacks on energy infrastructure as a positive development. However, there remains skepticism about the likelihood of a broader ceasefire, especially without addressing Russia's core demands regarding foreign military and intelligence aid to Ukraine.
- In contrast to the favorable reactions of Russian media and political figures, the European Union maintained a semi-dismissive stance, with Chinese expert Cui Heng claiming that Europe had already relinquished its independent position in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
- Following the phone call between Putin and Trump, Konstantin Kosachev, a deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Council, remarked that diplomacy was alive and well, stating that there was no attempt to impose conditions during the conversation.
- Despite the agreed-upon 30-day pause in attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, the EU continues to urge Putin to enact comprehensive measures for a permanent resolution to the conflict, and Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, playfully hinted at the EU's role in the ongoing struggle, comparing the situation to a game of hockey with the EU as the hockey puck.
