Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured a diplomatic breakthrough after former Donald Trump agreed to direct talks, marking a departure from years of isolation following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The telephone conversation between the two leaders, their first since before Russia’s February 2022 invasion, signals a shift in Washington’s approach to Moscow under Trump’s leadership.
Trump expressed his desire to “work together, very closely” with Putin to end the war in Ukraine and suggested the possibility of mutual state visits. Putin responded by extending an invitation to Moscow.
The potential presidential visit to Russia, which has not occurred in more than a decade, would underscore a remarkable reversal in US-Russian relations since 2022, when Moscow faced international condemnation and sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.
Following the invasion, the United Nations General Assembly had overwhelmingly adopted a resolution condemning Russia’s “unlawful use of force against Ukraine”. The International Criminal Court later issued an arrest warrant for Putin.
The diplomatic isolation deepened as thousands of international sanctions hit Russia, whilst then-President Joe Biden branded Putin a “murderous dictator” and a “pure thug”.
However, analysts suggest Putin has achieved a key objective: direct negotiations with the United States over Ukraine, potentially bypassing both Kyiv and European allies.
Russian officials continue to reference Putin’s June 2024 peace proposal, which demands Russia retain captured Ukrainian territory, prevent Ukraine’s NATO membership, and remove western sanctions.
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