19 Mar, 06:13

Outcome of Putin-Trump call exceeds skeptics’ expectations, expert says

In their phone call, Putin and Trump discussed the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues, the Kremlin press service said

WASHINGTON, March 19. /TASS/. The outcome of Tuesday’s phone call between President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States has exceeded the expectations of skeptics, Nicolai Petro, professor of Political Science at University of Rhode Island, told TASS.

"I would say that more was achieved than skeptics expected, but less than optimists had hoped for. The vague statement [from the White House] about the conflict ending ‘with a lasting peace’ can be seen as an indirect acceptance of Russia's insistence on addressing the root causes of the conflict. In exchange for this, and for a hope for better relations, Russia is willing to cease its energy and infrastructure attacks. But will Ukraine?" the professor, who specializes in issues related to Russia and Ukraine, elaborated.

In their phone call, Putin and Trump discussed the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, ways to prevent a further escalation of tensions and a number of international issues, the Kremlin press service said. The Russian leader supported Trump’s initiative for an energy and infrastructure ceasefire in Ukraine.

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