Why in news?

President Trump, in his second term, held a "lengthy and highly productive" call with Russian President Putin, marking their first confirmed conversation since Trump resumed office. The discussion signaled the start of a US-backed effort to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.

What’s in today’s article?

• Trump Steps into Mediator Role for Ukraine War
• Europe Demands Role in Ukraine Peace Talks
• Significance of Trump-Putin Call

Trump Steps Into Mediator Role for Ukraine War

• President Trump has prioritized mediating an end to the Ukraine war, a goal he has pursued since the start of his second term.
• The US team aims to facilitate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine to stabilize the region.
• Russia’s Response and Diplomatic Engagement
  • The Kremlin confirmed the 90-minute conversation.
  • Putin acknowledged Trump’s peace efforts and agreed that the time had come for both nations to collaborate on global stability.
• Shift in Trump’s Stance on Russia
  • Trump’s approach to Russia has evolved from his first term, when he faced criticism for being too lenient toward Putin.
  • While he previously praised Putin’s strategic moves, he has since adopted a more critical stance, questioning Russia’s handling of the war.
• Challenges Ahead for Peace Talks
  • Despite Trump’s diplomatic push, significant obstacles remain.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has been reluctant to negotiate on terms that could compromise Ukrainian sovereignty, especially given strong Western military and financial support.
  • Additionally, there is skepticism about Russia’s intentions, with concerns that the Kremlin may use negotiations to stall while solidifying territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.

Europe Demands Role in Ukraine Peace Talks

• European officials have asserted that Ukraine and Europe must be part of any negotiations, responding to Trump’s announcement of US-Russia peace talks.
• Trump’s Stance on NATO and Ukraine’s Borders
  • Trump has signaled a shift in US policy, suggesting that Ukraine should abandon its NATO bid and that restoring its pre-2014 borders was unrealistic.
  • As per various experts, the US is deprioritizing European security, emphasizing border control and deterring China instead.

Significance of Trump-Putin Call

• A Potential Shift in Global Relations
  • Trump is reshaping great power dynamics, with his latest call to Putin marking a significant departure from past US policy.
  • Trump invoked World War II, comparing his discussions with Putin to the historic Yalta Summit.
  • He emphasized shared history and cooperation, effectively ending over a decade of Russia’s isolation by the West.
  • Trump announced immediate ceasefire talks for Ukraine and plans to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia soon, signaling a potential turning point in international relations.
• Europe’s Exclusion from Trump-Putin Talks
  • Like in 1945, Europe is absent from the negotiating table as Trump reshapes Ukraine policy.
  • The US rejects Ukraine’s NATO membership and considers reclaiming lost territories unrealistic.
  • While past US-Russia talks, including Biden’s 2021 Geneva meeting, failed due to Putin’s demands, Moscow’s weaker position after three years of war might make it more open to negotiations.
  • If successful, Trump could visit Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day in May, symbolizing a US-Russia agreement.
  • For Putin, this represents recognition of Russia’s great power status and a shift in Europe’s security order in Moscow’s favor.
• Implications for Asia and India
  • The impact of a potential Trump-Putin deal on Asia remains unclear. Key questions arise:
    • Will Trump shift focus to counter China?
    • Could he extend his peace efforts to Taiwan?
    • How will this affect Moscow-Beijing ties?
  • For India, this is a crucial moment. Unlike in the mid-20th century, India now holds significant influence in global affairs.
  • Modi’s meeting with Trump will be an opportunity to assess his broader strategy.
  • Beyond geopolitics, their discussions will likely cover economic restructuring, particularly countering China’s trade dominance.
  • With both nations facing trade deficits with China, PM Modi may align with Trump’s call for a new economic order led by democratic nations to ensure balanced trade.