Breaking the ice and mending

Although no breakthrough was achieved in ending the conflict in Ukraine, the Russia-US summit phone call on March 18 showed many positive signs.

US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke by phone on March 18. (Source: Getty)

On March 18, US President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin spoke by phone for over two hours, discussing a wide range of issues.

Writing on the social media platform Truth Social, the American leader asserted that he had a "very good and effective" phone call with his Russian counterpart to "end the terrible conflict between Russia and Ukraine."

The Kremlin also issued a statement shortly after the meeting. What was in this phone call that has attracted so much attention from the media and international observers?

Positive signal

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), based in Washington DC (USA), assessed the phone call as taking place in a friendly atmosphere. In line with general assessments, Ukraine was the central focus of the discussion.

Putin reportedly adopted a more conciliatory stance regarding Ukraine's demands, focusing instead on immediate issues. In a statement, the Kremlin emphasized it would arrange an exchange of 175 prisoners with Kyiv the following day, in exchange for Russia releasing 23 more severely wounded Ukrainian soldiers as a gesture of goodwill. Furthermore, the document from both sides made no mention of post-conflict Ukrainian territory, an issue that could provoke a negative reaction from the Kyiv government.

The most significant aspect of the phone call was undoubtedly the agreement between the two sides to cease attacks on energy facilities, to initiate technical negotiations on a ceasefire at sea, and to move towards a complete ceasefire and lasting peace . Previously, in August 2024, the previous US administration had discussed a similar proposal with Russia, but without progress.

Ukraine repeatedly attacked oil refineries, the Kerch Bridge, and several urban targets in Russia "related to attacks on Ukraine." Conversely, Russia attacked Ukrainian energy production facilities and cities. These targets accounted for the majority of the attacks.

Therefore, the agreement between Russia and the United States to cease attacks on energy facilities in the conflict in Ukraine is a positive outcome, contributing to a reduction in civilian casualties and paving the way for negotiations on a ceasefire at sea, a comprehensive ceasefire, and lasting peace.

There are still obstacles.

However, it's not difficult to see that Trump and Putin failed to reach a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire agreement like the one the US and Ukraine agreed on in the Middle East a few days earlier. Instead, the agreement was limited to energy facilities. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether Kyiv agrees to this proposal and how it will comply with the agreement. Even if implemented, fighting on the front lines in Russia and Ukraine, as well as attacks on military targets, will continue.

Furthermore, in its statement, the Moscow authorities reiterated the condition for resolving the conflict: "a complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence provision to Kyiv," thereby reaffirming the demand for the "demilitarization" of Ukraine, something President Volodymyr Zelensky finds very difficult to accept.

Thus, the phone call reflected the current US administration's desire to "break the ice" and end the conflict that has lasted more than three years. CSIS assessed Trump's goal of achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine within the first 100 days as "encouraging," but unrealistic. It's worth remembering that negotiations to end the Korean War took two years and failed to reach a lasting peace agreement. Given the complexity of the current Russia-Ukraine conflict, more than three months is insufficient to bring about a comprehensive political solution for both sides.

Improvement steps

Besides Ukraine, Trump and Putin discussed many other pressing issues. The US statement indicated that the two sides "discussed the Middle East, a region where there is potential for cooperation to prevent future conflict." Notably, the document emphasized: "Both sides share the vision that Iran should never be placed in a position strong enough to threaten the very existence of Israel." It remains unclear how the Kremlin will fulfill this commitment, given that Russia-Iran relations have been maintained and strengthened since Russia was subjected to Western sanctions.

At the same time, the US statement emphasized that Trump and Putin had “discussed the need to end the proliferation of strategic weapons and will exchange views with other parties.” The US is concerned that Russia could transfer nuclear technology to North Korea and Iran. Conversely, several other countries such as South Korea, Poland, Japan, and Germany are believed to have considered developing nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Ultimately, Trump and Putin “both agreed that a future with better Russia-U.S. relations would bring many benefits, including major economic deals and political stability in the event of peace.”

This is a positive outcome, given that the two countries have implemented numerous steps to improve relations in recent times, including reopening embassies and restoring minimal economic ties.

However, this is only the beginning, and both sides need more similar contacts at all levels to get the relationship back on track, creating an important foundation for addressing a range of global challenges, whether it be armed conflict or denuclearization.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dien-dam-nga-my-pha-bang-va-han-gan-308229.html