US President Donald Trump is discovering the challenges of communicating with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He joins a long line of US leaders who have struggled to align with Russia and its longstanding president.
The Trump administration's efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine have hit a roadblock despite extensive diplomatic efforts.
Since his return to the White House, Trump has engaged in several lengthy phone conversations with Putin and dispatched his envoy Steve Witkoff to meet the Russian leader in Moscow, with the latest meeting occurring on Friday.
Despite these interactions, no agreements have been reached. Witkoff returned empty-handed, echoing key Kremlin positions.
The latest US proposal involves recognizing Russian control of Crimea, a significant point of contention for Ukraine and its European allies.
Experts suggest that negotiations heavily favor Putin's objectives, focusing on restoring US-Russian diplomatic relations rather than halting the conflict.
Putin's strategic maneuvers, including delayed meetings and unexpected changes in stance, present significant challenges for the US negotiating team.
Despite Trump's efforts, the complexities of the US-Russia relationship and Putin's adept negotiation tactics continue to hinder progress towards a resolution.