News Link • Russia
Putin Gives Trump a Meaningless Concession, But Sticks to June 2024 Position
• https://ronpaulinstitute.org, by Larry C. JohnsonThere was quite a bit of propaganda flack flying about prior to the call… for example, the Ukrainians told the NY Times that Trump was going to concede Russia's right to control Odessa. It was also rumored that Putin might relinquish control of the Zaporhyzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). That didn't happen.
The White House account of the meeting emphasized that Trump got Putin to agree to suspend attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine. This was only a symbolic concession by Putin, because such attacks are not a critical element of Russia's military campaign. With Spring in the air, halting attacks on power plants does not detract from Russia's offensive operations along the entire line of contact. The Kremlin's readout of today's conversation between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, however, provided a more measured and demanding perspective compared to the White House's account. Key points from the Kremlin's readout include:
Putin supported Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on attacking energy infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine.
Russia identified significant issues related to ensuring effective control over a potential ceasefire, including the need to stop forced mobilization in Ukraine and the rearmament of Ukrainian armed forces.
Putin emphasized that a key condition for ending the war should include a complete cessation of foreign military and intelligence assistance to Kyiv.
The Kremlin stressed a prisoner exchange scheduled for March 19, involving 175 people from each side, along with an additional 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian servicemen as a goodwill gesture.
Russia expressed interest in reviving some of its diplomatic activities in the United States, such as reopening closed consulates in San Francisco and Seattle.
The readout highlighted Putin's appreciation for Trump's willingness to contribute to ceasing hostilities and preventing loss of life, while emphasizing the importance of addressing the "root causes of the crisis" and acknowledging "Russia's legitimate security concerns."
The Kremlin made no reference to Ukraine's role in peace negotiations, instead pointing out "serious risks with the attempt to negotiate with the Kyiv regime."
Overall, the Kremlin's account suggests that while progress was made on certain issues, a comprehensive ceasefire agreement has not yet been finalized. While Donald Trump and his team were happy with the results of the chat, the same cannot be said for Zelensky and the Europeans. They ain't happy.



