US and Russia delegations meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to discuss Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, February 18, 2025
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As US and Russia delegations convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss Moscow’s three-year invasion of Ukraine, I analyzed the situation in interviews with France 24 English and RTE Radio 1.
I explain the significance of the Kremlin “setting the terms” of any talks, as Europe and Ukraine are excluded. These include a long-term acceptance of Russia’s occupation of around 25% of its neighbor; a “neutral” and demilitarized Ukraine, barred from NATO membership and security guarantees; and, in the short term, the lifting of US sanctions over Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
Watch France 24 English
I evaluate how the Kremlin is playing Donald Trump’s ego, using the discussions to dangle the possibility of a photo opportunity with Vladimir Putin.
I note how Russia is capitalizing on statements by US Defense Pete Hegseth and Vice President J.D. Vance, made at last weekend’s Munich Security Conference, distancing the US from European and Ukrainian security.
Russia plays upon Trump’s desire for a photo op.
And Donald Trump has been hostile to Europe for many years. He is hostile to the European Union and to NATO. He does not believe in alliances. He believes in dealing bilaterally with countries.
So when Russia says to Trump, “Let’s strike a deal,” he acts as a businessman, not as a leader of the US.
Alliances are disposable for Donald Trump. And for Russia, they just get in the way.
I conclude by assessing Europe’s necessary response to this likely Trump-Russia partnership.
Listen to RTE Radio 1 from 5:58
I speak with Claire Byrne as part of a package on the US-Russia talks.
My interview is preceded by a report from BBC correspondent Tom Bateman in Riyadh, and followed by a military analysis by Richard Dannatt, Chief of the General Staff of UK armed forces from 2006 to 2009.
[Editor’s Note: Thank you, it is a privilege to bring thoughtful insights and analysis to you each day, cutting through the propaganda and disinformation from multiple quarters.]
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EA Worldview readers want to hear some thoughtful insights and analysis. If they want to hear small-minded criticisms about Trump, they can turn to the mainstream media for that.
[Editor’s Note: This is certainly an original presentation of the Kremlin’s propaganda lines.]
I think the absence of the Europeans has more to do with their reluctance to pursue peace, not Trump’s desire for a photo-op. The Trump team came to the realization that they lacked the leverage necessary to deal with Russia from a position of strength. The Trump team entered the White House last month thinking they had the leverage, because they believed the inaccurate and politicized intelligence the Biden Administration had received (e.g. Ukrainian and Russia casualties counts, the state of Russia’s economy). They now know what is really happening in Ukraine, which is why they are prepared to accept most of Russia’s terms and conditions for ending the conflict. The talks would’ve broken down if Ukraine and the European NATO governments were present. And the Russians think that they will be dealing with different governments in London, Paris, and Berlin in the near future. So, why would they want to negotiate with hostile governments whose tenures are ending (assuming Moscow’s prognostications are correct)?
Some analysts believe that the Trump team will pursue a long-term strategy of courting Russia, in an effort to pull the Russians away from China and weaken BRICS. They think the strategy will fail.