Ukraine has accepted a proposed 30-day ceasefire from the US, contingent on Russia's agreement. Consequently, the US has lifted restrictions on aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This development shifts focus to crucial negotiations between Russia and the US, scheduled for later in the week, concerning the future of Ukraine and European stability. Daniel Fried notes that the success of these efforts depends heavily on Russia's willingness to comply with the ceasefire. This situation marks a stark policy shift from the Biden administration's previous stance towards Russia.
"The ball is in the Russian's court," Daniel Fried, an Atlantic Council fellow and former US Ambassador to Poland, told DW. "The Ukrainians have done what [US President Donald Trump's] administration and even [Vice President] JD Vance insisted they do, which is back Trump's peace initiative."
"The question is, will the Russians agree to a ceasefire? And if they do agree, will they adhere to it?"
Nevertheless, the US president has pursued a conclusion to the conflict. Phone calls to Russian President Vladimir Putin, US summits in the Middle East and public declarations by US officials that it would be unrealistic to expect Russia to return its territory have all shaken up the established order in Europe.
Engaging directly with Putin is a 180-degree change in policy from the Biden administration.
Collection
[
|
...
]