Amanpour Takeaways From Trump's Middle East Trip
May 17, 2025
Dmytro Kuleba, former Foreign Minister of Ukraine, shares vital perspectives on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and recent ceasefire talks. He discusses the complex dynamics of informal influence campaigns orchestrated by Russia in occupied territories. The conversation also touches on the intersection of business and foreign policy during Trump’s trip to the Middle East, while exploring the urgent humanitarian crises in Gaza and Ukraine. Kuleba's insights illuminate the resilience of grassroots movements and the pressing need for effective global leadership.
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Trump's Business-First Middle East Trip
- Trump's Middle East trip prioritized business deals over traditional diplomacy, focusing on $4 trillion in investments.
- This approach favored transactional and family business interests rather than advancing broader U.S. geopolitical or human rights goals.
Putin’s Strategy to Delay Peace
- Putin's low-level delegation to ceasefire talks signaled an effort to delay genuine peace negotiations.
- There has been little pressure on Russia, allowing continued attacks on Ukraine without incentives for peace.
Putin’s Symbolic Diplomacy
- Putin uses symbolic diplomacy to project willingness to negotiate but maintains his war aims.
- Meaningful ceasefire talks have not materialized; moves appear tactical to influence domestic and international positions.