President Donald Trump sees his Tuesday call with Russian President Vladimir Putin as a chance to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. But it also carries risks — both for the U.S. and its allies.
And so, some who know the region well have some advice for the president ahead of the highest-profile diplomatic discussions of his administration.
Expert Recommendations for Trump-Putin Call
Former U.S. officials and diplomats recommend that Trump should listen to Putin, but not make any commitments. Some suggest avoiding expanding the conversation to broader questions about the entire security architecture in Europe.
The administration is setting high expectations for the call and the coming weeks. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Monday that Russia and the U.S. were at the “10th yard line for peace” and confirmed that Trump and Putin will discuss dividing land and other assets as part of a potential deal to end the war.
Former diplomats and U.S. officials who have dealt with Russia for decades express caution and low expectations.
“There is no indication here whatsoever of any kind of concession coming from Russia,” said Fiona Hill, who handled the Russia portfolio for Trump during his first term and has become a critic of the president. “Now if that happens, it would be very interesting.”
Daniel Fried, with a long State Department career, emphasizes the importance of watching for any ground yielded by either leader following the call.
“Then you will know whether Trump is staring back at Putin and trying to achieve peace through strength — which is possible — or whether he is allowing himself to be played by Putin,” he said.
Key Considerations for Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, under intense pressure after Trump cut off intelligence sharing and military aid to Kyiv for a week following their spat in the Oval Office, has agreed to a U.S. proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire.
Many close observers of Russia say that language is a sign Putin is not in a rush to sign an agreement and that what he really wants is to change broader European security arrangements.
Mike Carpenter, a former senior National Security Council official in the Biden administration, highlights the importance of convincing Putin to agree to an initial 30-day ceasefire as a demonstration of U.S. leverage over Moscow.
Another former U.S. official cautions that not enough groundwork has been laid for even a brief ceasefire deal.
“My first bit of advice would be not to have the phone call because you’re not ready to have the phone call to agree on a ceasefire,” the former U.S. official said.
Expert Insights and Warnings
Experts stress the need for Trump to be cautious and not easily swayed by Putin’s tactics or false flattery.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H), the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urges Trump not to be fooled by Putin’s manipulative tactics.
Adam Cancryn contributed to this report.
