The art of the deal

I have been told many times that the war in Ukraine is ongoing because Joe Biden obstructed the mutually agreeable deal between Russia and Ukraine that we know was available because [white noise]. Surely Donald the Dove would get this wrapped up quickly!

Vladimir Putin has indicated Moscow is unwilling to drop its maximalist demands over any deal to halt the fighting in Ukraine, even as he said he “supports the idea” behind a US-backed 30 day ceasefire. The Russian president said at a press conference on Thursday that any ceasefire must lead to a final settlement of the conflict that would “solve the root causes” of his invasion. He added that Ukraine’s forces would otherwise be given a chance to retreat, regroup and re-arm just as Russia’s army is gaining the upper hand in the Kursk region, parts of which were captured by Kyiv last year. “Does that mean Ukraine will use those 30 days to continue forced mobilisation, get weapons supplies and prepare its mobilised units?” the Russian president said.

Putin said Moscow also had concerns over how any ceasefire would be implemented and monitored. “We will agree on how to end the conflict and find an acceptable agreement for everyone based on how the situation develops on the ground,” he said. He expressed confidence that his forces’ “breakthroughs in Kursk” and elsewhere on the frontline would continue. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday he hoped Russia would back Washington’s proposal, adding that his team was having “very serious discussions with Putin and others”.

Very Serious! Perhaps The Nation can roll over and tell the Quincy Institute the news.