Putin Missed Another Potential Chance to Work Toward Peace

(Pavel K. Baev – The Jamestown Foundation) Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to U.S. President Donald Trump in a 90-minute conversation on April 29 that could have provided an opportunity to revive stalled peace negotiations with Ukraine. Putin instead reiterated his false claims to Donbas and bragged about unconfirmed advances into Ukraine. Growing Russian war fatigue, economic strain, and skepticism toward U.S. commitments contrast with Putin’s continued commitment to his war against Ukraine. The windfall of oil profits for Russia because of the Iran conflict has been significantly below hopeful assessments. Putin has, nevertheless, put his faith in oil fortunes and assumes that they will buy more time to stay the course of high-intensity military operations. – Putin Missed Another Potential Chance to Work Toward Peace – Jamestown