During today’s anticipated phone call between Trump and Putin, a photo captured the Russian president keeping Trump waiting with a smug expression. Putin arrived an hour late for the call, adding to the tension surrounding the conversation.
The despot even laughed off a warning that he was getting late for his phone call with the US president.
Putin, who is notorious for keeping world leaders waiting, was speaking to industrialists and businessmen at an annual Russian event in Moscow.
The conference took place right before the high-stakes call was scheduled with Trump between 4pm and 6pm Russian time.
And Putin appeared in no rush to reach the Kremlin and attend the call.
As the clock ticked past 4pm, Putin’s pal and host of the event Alexander Shokhin looked at his watch, saying the call was scheduled for before 6pm.
Putin, who showed no signs of hurry, quipped: “Don’t listen to him! That’s his job.”
To which Shokhin replied: “Now we need to see what Trump says about this.”
Boasting a huge smile, Putin then made it clear he was referring to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who first announced the timing of the chat.
Putin eventually left the conference and is said to have reached the Kremlin at around 5pm – one hour after their call was set to begin.
A high-stakes conversation is now underway between Trump and Putin who are said to be deciding the fate of war-torn Ukraine.
Prior to the call, Trump expressed optimism about convincing Putin to agree to a US-led 30-day ceasefire deal, which had been approved by Kyiv. Trump believed there was a strong possibility of persuading Putin to accept the terms.
Putin has still given no clear indication if he is willing to accept a truce deal and has instead raised “serious questions” over the proposal.
So far, he has delayed the ceasefire plan to seemingly extract concessions from Trump.
The despot is expected to put up demands in exchange for his approval of a peace deal, which he insists should be long-term.
That includes Kyiv’s Nato membership, peacekeepers inside Ukraine and territory.
Kyiv’s fate
If Putin and Trump come to an agreement during the call, it could mark a significant moment in history. However, any decision from Putin to accept the ceasefire deal may have serious implications for Kyiv, potentially leading to a high cost for the Ukrainian capital.
Zelensky and other diplomats from Kyiv have not been invited to be a part of the conversation.
Trump – who is desperate to crack a deal and stop the bloody war as he once promised – could perhaps agree to some of the demands from Russia if it means a ceasefire deal.
He said “many elements” of a final agreement have been agreed to, but much still remains to be discussed.
It is now known that he is already considering to recognise annexed Crimea as Russian territory.
The White House also indicated that Trump plans to discuss “land,” “power plants,” and “dividing up certain assets.”
In a turn of events, Russia may also not agree to the terms laid out by the US – which Kyiv has already agreed to.
Trump is said to be willing to hit Russia with further sanctions if the call does not end well.
Either way, there is a high chance Kyiv’s fate will be decided based on the discussions of today’s call.
It remains to be seen if that favours Ukraine and its hero leader Zelensky, or undermines their position.
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