The meeting between President Trump and President Putin is underway, with the aim of discussing a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, Russia seems to have specific conditions before it will consider ending the conflict. One of Russia’s primary goals is to gain international recognition for the territories it has occupied over the past three years. Analysts suggest that Russia’s current military position gives it an advantage in the negotiations. The ongoing conflict has seen Russia make territorial gains, and the absence of the Ukrainian president from the discussions puts Ukraine in a weaker negotiating position. Russian experts believe President Putin is primarily focused on securing the legitimacy of Russia’s control over the occupied regions. Some believe that these conditions must be met before Russia will consider a ceasefire. While Ukraine is in a more precarious situation, facing both territorial losses and concerns over future support, Russia appears to be in a less urgent position to end the war.
