US President Trump 'very angry' with Russia’s Putin over Ukraine ceasefire negotiations | BBC News

Key Concepts

• US-Russia relations
• Ukraine peace process
• Donald Trump's foreign policy
• Vladimir Putin's strategy
• Secondary tariffs on Russian oil
• Negotiation tactics
• International diplomacy

Trump's Shift in Tone Towards Putin

• President Trump expressed "anger" towards Vladimir Putin for questioning the credibility of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• This marks a "sharp change of tone" from Trump's usual stance towards Moscow.
• Trump stated that Putin's comments about Zelensky were "not going in the right direction."
• He threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil if Russia doesn't make a deal regarding Ukraine.
• Trump plans to speak with Vladimir Putin in the coming week.

Peter Dickinson's Analysis

• Dickinson acknowledges the change in rhetoric from Trump, although he notes it wasn't the "harshest criticism" Trump has ever issued.
• He suggests Trump realizes his current strategy toward the peace process is "not working" and he's in danger of "looking foolish."
• Trump has been offering concessions to Russia and pressuring Ukraine, leading to an unconditional ceasefire agreement three weeks prior.
• However, Putin has been using "stalling tactics" and demanding "additional conditions" and "further concessions."
• Putin questioned the legitimacy of Zelensky as president and the possibility of reaching an agreement with him, suggesting a UN mandate for Ukraine.
• Dickinson believes Trump is aware that "Putin is playing him" and needs to appear tougher.

Moscow's Potential Response

• Moscow's response will depend on the upcoming telephone call between Trump and Putin.
• Putin's strategy revolves around building relationships at the top level.
• Dickinson doesn't believe the Russians will be "particularly intimidated" by Trump's statements.
• They know Trump is "desperate to get a deal" and willing to pressure Ukraine rather than Russia.
• Russia will likely see Trump's comments as an indication that talks need to move forward, but they won't be in a "major hurry."
• Putin feels "pretty comfortable" with the current situation in the war and negotiations.

Impact of Secondary Tariffs

• Secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil would have an impact "if he goes ahead with that threat."
• Trump's phrasing was "quite cautious," including "if" and "buts," suggesting room for maneuver.
• Russia could make some concessions to the Americans if necessary.
• The impact wouldn't be "decisive" or "immediate."
• Russia will continue its current strategy until convinced the Americans are "very serious" and prepared to impose "very painful measures."

Conclusion

Trump's shift in tone towards Putin, marked by anger and threats of secondary tariffs, signals a potential change in US strategy regarding the Ukraine peace process. However, experts suggest that Russia may not be easily swayed and will likely assess the seriousness of US intentions before altering its approach. The upcoming phone call between Trump and Putin will be crucial in determining the future direction of negotiations.