Ukraine, Nyt: ‘For Putin talks with US a means to broader goals’

Turin, 24 Mar (LaPresse) – Moscow sees economic and geopolitical benefits in going along with Donald Trump's desire for a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, according to a report in the New York Times, for Vladimir Putin, the talks with the US president are only a means to much broader goals. Although Ukraine has stated that it is ready for a total ceasefire, the Russian president has made it clear that he will first seek a broad range of concessions. Consequently, reports The Nyt, the Kremlin seems determined to take as much advantage as possible of Trump's desire to conclude a peace agreement with Ukraine, even if it means slowing down negotiations. From Moscow's point of view, improving relations with Washington represents an economic and geopolitical advantage, a goal that can be achieved even as Russian missiles continue to strike Ukraine. Moscow, the newspaper writes, seems to believe that an involvement with Trump could bring economic benefits, such as the possibility of obtaining spare parts for Russian Boeing aircraft, and geopolitical advantages, such as a reduction of NATO's presence in Europe. What remains uncertain, explains the Nyt, is whether Trump will use these expectations as leverage to get a better deal for Ukraine and whether he will lose patience with Putin at some point.