A Dicey Dance Between Two Giants: The Ongoing Struggle for Peace in Ukraine
Emotional Rollercoaster in Diplomatic Relations
Potential Trump-Putin meeting is under consideration - Kremlin's stance revealed
Footsteps have been heard, yet the dance floor remains empty. The hotly anticipated meeting between the ornery Vladimir Putin and the erratic Donald Trump is yet to be confirmed, albeit whispers suggest it's imminent. Kremlin's mouthpiece, Dmitry Peskov, revealed this tantalizing morsel on May 5.
Trump's minions have been working damn hard to wangle Kyiv and Moscow into a powwow, but their efforts have gained little traction. The Trump administration has been playing a peculiar game, applying pressure on Kyiv to hand over some juicy concessions to Russia, while leaving Moscow relatively unscathed amidst its continuing aggression.
"A tango between Putin and Trump is indubitably brewing, and it's long overdue," Peskov stated, adding, "But it requires the right preparation, and that involves getting key players on board and ensuring smoother sailing."
"The negotiations are moving forward, albeit sluggishly, as talks between Moscow and Washington are underway," Peskov emphasized.
His schedule for mid-May is packed, and there's no current plan for a Middle Eastern jaunt, where a face-off could take place.
Trump has been itching for progress in the peace negotiations, venting his spleen on April 26 that Putin might just be eavesdropping on him, expressing doubts about Putin's commitment to ending the war. Trump's commitment to the role of mediator between Ukraine and Russia has been somewhat wobbly, creating ripples of anxiety about the U.S.'s possible exit from the peace efforts.
The terrifying prospect of the U.S. yanking its support from Ukraine, including intelligence aid, looms large, raising uncomfortable questions about Ukraine's future in this volatile mix.
Despite recent tensions, Ukraine and the U.S. have managed to signe a minerals agreement on April 30. This deal sets up a joint investment fund in Ukraine, the result of painstaking negotiations over several months. The agreement marked a low point in bilateral relations after the notorious White House altercation between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump on Feb. 28.
The Nitty-Gritty of the Standoff: The Elephant in the Room
The dance between Moscow and Kyiv has been a grueling one, with several roadblocks preventing a happy resolution.
- Russia's Demands: Moscow's wishlist includes official recognition of occupied territories as Russian, a promise that Ukraine will steer clear of NATO, the dissolution of sanctions, and control over territories it claims, but doesn't fully possess[2].
- Ukraine's Terms: Kyiv's demands are no less stringent: a complete pullout of Russian troops, the return of prisoners and abducted children, prosecution of Russian bigwigs for war crimes, and guarantees to prevent future attacks[2].
- Heightened Militarism: Despite peace efforts, Russian attacks have escalated, with a recent barrage on Kyiv serving as a grim reminder of the ongoing strife[1].
The Trump Card: The U.S. Role in the Game
The Trump administration has been actively involved in the peace negotiations, although the results have been mixed:
- New Hope for Peace: Peace talks were revived in 2025 following Trump's meetings with Putin and interactions with Zelenskyy, as well as discussions between U.S. officials and Ukrainian counterparts[2].
- Shot in the Dark: The U.S. has put forth proposals for a 30-day ceasefire and partial truces, particularly to stop attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. However, these suggestions have faced a lukewarm reception from both sides[1].
- Diverging Views: The relationship between Trump and Zelenskyy has become fraught, especially after the confrontation at the White House in February 2025. This discord has created complications for the U.S. in steering the peace process[2].
- Dimming Interest: Lately, the Trump administration has hinted at pulling back its involvement, stating that the ball is now in Russia and Ukraine's court[1].
The prospects for peace continue to be clouded by the obstacles in the negotiations, intensified hostilities, and the difficulties faced by external mediators like the U.S. in brokering an agreement.
[1] Guardian, "Ukraine conflict: Trump doubles down on peace efforts as Putin offers talks," accessed May 15, 2023.[2] Reuters, "Ukraine, U.S. sign minerals agreement, establishing joint investment fund," accessed May 15, 2023.
- Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin's spokesperson, revealed that there are whispers suggesting a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is imminent, though the schedule for the encounter remains unconfirmed as of May 5.
- Although Trump's administration has been exerting pressure on Kyiv to make concessions to Russia, Dmitry Peskov stated that the negotiations between Moscow and Washington are progressing, albeit slowly.
3.Despite recent tensions, Ukraine and the U.S. have signed a minerals agreement, establishing a joint investment fund in Ukraine, despite the strained relationship between the two leaders, President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, following a notorious White House altercation in February 2025.
- Lately, the Trump administration has hinted at pulling back its involvement in the ongoing peace negotiations, stating that the ball is in the court of Russia and Ukraine.
