Part 6/7:
As both nations dissect their statements post-call, it becomes evident that each leader has drawn distinct conclusions from the discussion. President Trump may perceive this as a step towards a new peace plan, while President Putin likely recognizes the lengthy and challenging road ahead—one that may favor his military strategy in Ukraine.
Putin’s tactical read seems to suggest that the longer he prolongs the peace discussions, the more leverage he maintains on the ground. With remaining troops poised for deployment, the possibility of a renewed and more aggressive military posture looms, complicating any potential for immediate ceasefire.