When will Trump start “stopping the war” in Ukraine?

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that if he wins, he will start ending wars in the world. In the coming days, he may start by calling Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, told RBC-Ukraine in a commentary.

Tim Willacy-Wilsey, a senior research fellow at the Russian Defense Studies Institute (RUSI, London), admits that after winning the election, Trump may indeed call Putin.

“Any such call would create expectations of a negotiated settlement, and discussions may begin in the first months of 2025,” said Willacy-Wilsey.

According to Fesenko, such a call is quite possible, but it will not resolve the issue of negotiations. The political analyst explained that in order for them to begin, moderators need to be appointed by Trump, Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“Moreover, the negotiations can only be informal for now. First, we need to agree on the format, where they can take placecan only be informal for now. First, we need to agree on the format, where they can take place, and what the agenda will be. Putin may agree, but he will put forward 'wishes' that are unacceptable to Ukraine. Negotiations can take place, but they are very difficult, and I do not expect quick results,” he said.

Fesenko believes that it is highly likely that Trump will initiate negotiations on the cessation of hostilities along the entire front line and, possibly, on the denial of NATO membership.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 07/11/2024