KYIV, Ukraine—Why is Russia only now willing to consider former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposals to end the war in Ukraine? The Russian government has indicated it is open to hearing ideas from Trump’s camp, yet this openness comes after months of silence and strained relations. Could this shift in attitude be tied to the changing dynamics in Washington, or is it a response to the evolving military situation?
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov revealed this weekend that Moscow and Washington have been “exchanging signals” about Ukraine via “closed channels.” However, whether these discussions involve the outgoing Biden administration or Trump’s incoming team remains unclear. In a statement to the Russian state news agency Interfax, Ryabkov said Russia would consider Trump’s proposals, provided they involve genuine efforts to resolve the conflict without continuing to “pump the Kyiv regime with all kinds of aid.” Why has Russia waited until now to engage with Trump when it had previously dismissed such overtures?
While the Kremlin has been silent on this matter for months, Kyiv is already positioning itself for cooperation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed that Ukraine is eager to work with Trump’s administration, pointing out that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump after his election. Sybiha added that talks between both sides are ongoing, aimed at laying the groundwork for future collaboration.
But amid these diplomatic exchanges, the situation on the ground remains volatile. On the very day of Ryabkov’s comments, a Russian drone strike killed one person and wounded 13 in Odesa, underscoring the ongoing brutality of the conflict. A Russian aerial bomb also struck a busy highway in Kharkiv province overnight, though no casualties were reported. Ukrainian officials continue to call for more Western support to counter Russia’s intensifying aerial campaign.
This latest shift in Russia’s stance comes as European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell visits Kyiv to reaffirm the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine. Borrell’s visit reminds us that the West continues to stand behind Ukraine despite growing uncertainty surrounding the future of U.S. aid. Trump’s vocal skepticism about sending more support to Ukraine has added to the sense of unease in Kyiv. He has repeatedly criticized U.S. assistance, made vague claims of wanting to end the war, and even praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.
So, what exactly has changed in Russia’s thinking? Was it the hope that a Trump administration would steer U.S. policy away from strong support for Ukraine? Or has the situation on the battlefield made the Kremlin reconsider its approach? Trump has clarified that he believes diplomacy, rather than continued aid, is the path to ending the war. But is it realistic to expect a significant shift in Russian policy based on the preferences of a former U.S. president?
While Ryabkov’s comments signal potential for talks, the situation remains uncertain. As Russia signals openness to Trump’s ideas, Kyiv continues to prepare for a long and costly war, unsure of whether any diplomatic breakthrough will come in time.
With the war escalating and no end in sight, the question remains: why has Russia waited so long to engage with Trump’s proposals, and will they prove any more successful than past diplomatic efforts?
