Russian Roulette Max and Maria on the Start of U.S.-Russian Negotiations Over the War in Ukraine
Feb 20, 2025
Max and Maria dive into the recent U.S.-Russian negotiations over the ongoing Ukraine conflict, highlighting the absence of Ukrainian and European voices in these talks. They discuss the contradictory signals from both nations and the impact of China's rising influence. The complexities of economic sanctions on Russia are analyzed, as well as how Europe's military role may evolve amidst shifting U.S. support. The episode also touches upon the implications of potential U.S. arms sales to Europe on the region's stance toward the conflict.
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U.S.-Russia Negotiations Begin
- The U.S. and Russia initiated negotiations in Riyadh on February 18th, 2024, aiming for a diplomatic resolution to the war in Ukraine.
- Notably, Ukraine and European nations were excluded from these initial talks.
Putin's Diplomatic Goals
- Putin views the negotiations as a way to end diplomatic isolation imposed by the West after the Ukraine invasion.
- He seeks a reset in relations, despite history suggesting such resets are short-lived.
Putin's Focus on Elections
- Putin's insistence on new Ukrainian elections, despite the unlikelihood of a pro-Kremlin victory, suggests a broader strategy.
- He may aim to destabilize Ukraine, creating leverage for future actions.