Putin is speaking and says:
- “Welcome” to those companies which want to return to Russia.
- Return of Western companies could be beneficial for everyone.
- We are in talks about such return. (Referring to Western companies returning to Russia)
- Thanks Trump for attention to Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- We agree to stop fighting in Ukraine, but it should lead to long-standing peace.
- Ceasefire has to eliminate root causes of the conflict.
- Situation in Kursk region is fully under Russian control
- Ukrainian troops are in full isolation in Kursk
- For Ukraine it will be good to reach 30 days cease-fire in such circumstances
- There are two options for Ukrainians in Kursk – die or be captured
- if there is cease-fire, it’s not clear how situation will develop in Kursk and elsewhere
- Why do they need 30 days of cease-fire, for mobilization or weapon supplies to Ukraine.
- There are a lot of questions about cease-fire.
- Who will control cease-fire, the front is 2000 km long.
- Cease-fire itself is right, and we will support it, but there are questions to be discussed
- Maybe me and Trump hold a phone call
- If US and Russia agree on energy cooperation, then gas pipeline for Europe could be provided.
- It will be beneficial for Europe thanks to cheap Russian gas.
- Situation in Ukraine front is fast changing.
- We will agree next steps on conflict taking into account developments on the front
Meanwhile, US envoy Witkoff is to meet with Putin on Thursday night (this is according to Politico).
From the comments and what has happened since that meeting on “that Friday” with Zelenski and Trump:
- Trump and Zelensky meet on mineral deal. The mineral deal would keep US interest in Ukraine without US being there.
- That meeting fails.
- Trump turned off the intelligence and supplies to Ukraine. They are fighting blind and without re-supplies
- Zelenski met with the European leaders and they stood by him militarily and in solidarity
- Russian troops took advantage of the intelligence shut down by bombarding Ukraine
- Zelenski apologizes to Trump as he realizes he does not hold the cards
- Russia retakes Kursk back from Ukraine. Ukraine has had a foot hold over the last seven months of that region
- Putin seems willing to make a deal but does not want enemy forces in Ukraine
- Putin is dangling the carrot of energy into Europe if they make a deal. Europe needs energy
- There will likely be other concessions demanded from Russia from Ukraine/Europe including no NATO forces in Ukraine
The war has been painful from a loss of lives and economically for Russia. Having said that, Trump has proven that turning off intelligence, stopping supplies can be painful in short order for Ukraine. Europe is not ready to take on that role. DO they want a war. Can they afford defense?
Trump wants peace now. He sees Zelenski as not wanting peace.
For ending the war, Trump will want de-nuclearization from Russia and China. US needs to cut military spending. Russia needs to cut military spending. CHina needs to cut military spending.
The US, Russia and China are all living precariously on the knife’s edge economically, Trump sees the opportunity for dealmaking.
Ukraine does not hold cards (as Trump points out).
There are probably other layers but this is not just about Russia and Ukraine. The chess match involves a lot of pieces in play.
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.