Many are questioning who truly gains from the normalization of ties between the United States and Russia. Ceasefires are complex and cannot be easily switched on or off. The devastation of war, which affects millions, should be a universal concern.
Recently, 400 Palestinian lives were lost when Israel broke a truce that had been in place since January, undoing months of diplomatic efforts in an instant. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concerns about the implications of a phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, emphasizing that "every day in wartime is a matter of human lives." Zelensky, who has seen agreements with Moscow crumble under Russian aggression, has reason to be wary of any promises.
The global landscape is shifting, with countries like Germany approving significant defense spending, reflecting a resurgence of imperialistic tendencies. While President Trump's desire to end a conflict that has claimed countless lives is commendable, engaging with Putin carries risks due to Russia's ambitions. Putin has spoken of the decline of Western dominance and the rise of new global powers.
After a lengthy call between Trump and Putin, a Russian envoy claimed the world is now safer. However, the agreements reached seem minor, with a temporary pause on attacks on energy infrastructure offering little comfort to Ukrainians, who still face threats to civilian safety. Russia remains the aggressor, and while a mutual interest in improved US-Russia relations is acknowledged, it does not alleviate concerns over Putin's intentions regarding Ukraine.
A White House statement highlighted the potential benefits of better US-Russia relations, but with the current focus on "America First" policies, many, including Ukrainians, question who truly benefits. The conflict must end, but the critical issue is at what cost. Risking the established international order for short-term gains is a perilous move.