Trump is in talks with Russia to end the war

[putnam6]

Interesting Substack about complex international negotiations...

Putin isn't going to run to the negotiation table every time Zelenskyy whistles. It would be such a sign of weakness
Out of the 2, Putin can afford to wait. Zelenskyy knows this, and this is mostly for show...

https://substack.com/inbox/post/16362541...irect=true

Zelenskyy’s public posturing contrasts with the subtlety and patience required in diplomatic negotiations. Established norms, as seen in historical successes like the Camp David and Good Friday agreements, emphasise initial team-level discussions to build trust and address technical issues before leader involvement. Zelenskyy’s approach, however, often prioritises messaging over substantive progress. This was evident in early 2025 when U.S.-led talks with Russia, initially excluding Ukraine, sparked concerns in Kyiv about being left out of critical discussions. Zelenskyy’s insistence on direct involvement and his public statements can escalate tensions rather than foster the compromise needed for peace.
Challenges in Today’s Talks
While the process of using negotiating teams is proven, the Russia-Ukraine conflict presents unique obstacles. Ukraine insists on being part of all discussions, emphasising, “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” This stance stems from concerns about being excluded, as seen in the recent U.S.-Russia talks. Meanwhile, Russia’s demands, such as recognition of certain territories, have slowed progress. Despite these hurdles, both sides continue to rely on negotiating teams to explore solutions, balancing national priorities with the need for peace.
Zelenskyy’s approach, while understandable in the context of rallying domestic and international support, flies in the face of the structured, incremental progress typical of successful diplomatic resolutions. The ongoing conflict, marked by stalled talks and mutual distrust, requires a measured strategy, but his public bluster can hinder the delicate process of finding common ground.

 
Why This Matters Now
The use of negotiating teams is a time-tested strategy that keeps dialogue alive, even in tough times. As of 15 May 2025, efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict remain ongoing, with teams working to bridge gaps. Historical successes, like the Camp David and Good Friday agreements, remind us that patience and preparation can lead to breakthroughs. By starting with teams, Russia and Ukraine create opportunities for progress, offering hope for a resolution that serves both nations and the region.
However, Zelenskyy’s approach highlights a tension between public messaging and diplomatic norms. While his resolve is clear, the path to peace may require a shift toward the collaborative, behind-the-scenes work that has historically yielded results. Understanding this dynamic helps us appreciate the effort behind the scenes and the potential for a brighter future, even as challenges persist.

[putnam6]

Just a sampling of the mood d'jour 



 

 
[Image: https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/797...normal.jpg]
Cynical Publius

@CynicalPublius
·
May 10

\Pakistan and India have deep-seated religious conflicts that make the differences between Ukrainians and Russians pale in significance. Yet somehow they were able to agree to a cease-fire, and Ukraine and Russia cannot. Why is that? My money is on Zelenskyy being unwilling to give up his global fame and the millions of dollars of personal wealth he and his wife have accrued as a result of the war.

[Oldcarpy2]

Interesting Substack about complex international negotiations...

Putin isn't going to run to the negotiation table every time Zelenskyy whistles. It would be such a sign of weakness
Out of the 2, Putin can afford to wait. Zelenskyy knows this, and this is mostly for show...

https://substack.com/inbox/post/16362541...irect=true

Blimey.

Putin - Good.

Zelensky - Bad.

Putin is playing Trump like a fiddle.

Trump is playing along.

Lap it up.

Not posting from the pub.  Before you get all cross .

[putnam6]

Not a complete washout...but Rubio's pessimistic 





https://www.amna.gr/home/article/904161/...-Ch-Fintan

[RickyD]

Do you have a source for this?

And, do you take Putin seriously?

Kellogg, in an earlier interview on Fox Business Network, said Trump would join the talks in Istanbul if Putin showed up.
"We're hoping President Putin shows up as well, and then President Trump will be there. This could be an absolutely incredible meeting," he said. "We can get peace, I really believe, pretty fast if all three leaders sit down and talk."
Kellogg told Fox Ukraine was willing to accept a "ceasefire in place" in which Ukrainian and Russian forces would each back up 15 kilometres (9 miles), creating a demilitarized zone. International forces would be stationed west of the Dnipro River as a deterrent.
Ukrainian officials have not publicly said what ceasefire terms it may accept. Russia has said it would not accept international forces in Ukraine.

https://www.reuters.com/world/rubio-disc...025-05-13/

Everything proposed thus far as not included halting the economic aspects against Russia...nor the arming of Ukraine. There are also these pipe dream ideas of a DMZ and peace keepers from the west. Russia is pushing the lines and winning the attrition war why would he take a deal even close to this? I do take Putin seriously and I believe him when he makes announcements saying what he wants for peace. I don't think he is joking but the west keeps acting like he isn't serious. At this rate Ukraine will be Russia in the next couple of years...they are already starting to crack from attrition.

[putnam6]

I keep forgetting this...

 What did Boris say that convinced Zelenskyy, and where was the rest of Europe and the US?

 Lavrov implies they will start with the same proposal from April 2022, did I hear that right

https://x.com/i/grok/share/J9vDvpXORjbCjl2yRZPruLeyV

 

• Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, confirmed during a press conference in Istanbul that Boris Johnson, the former British Prime Minister, prevented Ukraine from signing a comprehensive peace deal with Russia in April 2022, which could have potentially ended the conflict earlier and saved numerous lives.
  
• This revelation aligns with previous statements from Ukrainian officials, such as David Arahamiya, who confirmed that Johnson advised against signing the agreement, leading to continued hostilities that have resulted in significant casualties and destruction.
  
• The context of these negotiations is part of broader peace talks that have been intermittently held since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, with significant moments including the Istanbul talks in March 2022, where a provisional agreement was reportedly close but ultimately not realized due to external pressures.
  

https://x.com/BowesChay/status/1922963768251764999

[RickyD]

I keep forgetting this...

 What did Boris say that convinced Zelenskyy, and where was the rest of Europe and the US?

 Lavrov implies they will start with the same proposal from April 2022, did I hear that right

https://x.com/i/grok/share/J9vDvpXORjbCjl2yRZPruLeyV


https://x.com/BowesChay/status/1922963768251764999
[Image: https://denyignorance.com/uploader/image...30-130.jpg]

Maybe it was as simple as no more money if you quit and we will tie all this corruption we have been enjoying around your neck and let you go down for it...

[putnam6]

Maybe it was as simple as no more money if you quit and we will tie all this corruption we have been enjoying around your neck and let you go down for it...

What a tangled web we weave
When we practice to deceive

A lot of the time, the simplest and logical answer is correct

[sahgwa]

Based on Bojo's Belligerence in creating the Bombastic Bellicose Bylines we have all these dead humans and for nothing. 
The only notable gain Russia has materially is Crimea, when before they were sharing it.
The 2 Eastern oblasts in the Donbass were culturally and ethnically Russian, whatever that means, already so their 'republics' dont really amount to anything either. 
One has to ask Why Bojo ruined it all when we could have had peace with Russia having LESS than they have now?
Was the City of London pushing some financial malfeasance? 
You can't tell me this whole carnage carnival is just to cover up Western elites corruption and money laundering organ sex trafficking?

[putnam6]

The Gateway Pundit

@gatewaypundit
·
1m

JUST IN: Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul End After Less Than 2 Hours – Ukrainians Complain of Moscow’s Demands – Russian Delegation Satisfied With Outcome (VIDEOS)