US President Donald Trump has spoken harshly against Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the war against Ukraine. Despite his previously restrained stance on the Kremlin, Trump warned of new sanctions if Russia refuses to negotiate unconditionally.
Since his inauguration, Donald Trump has dramatically changed his rhetoric towards the Russian president. An article by The Observer published in The Guardian notes that Trump insists that without an end to the war, Russia risks not only increased economic sanctions but also isolation in the international arena.
“The Russian economy is collapsing, and Putin must make a deal now. Otherwise, he will face additional sanctions, duties and taxes from the United States,” Trump said.
However, Putin, backed by China, Iran and North Korea, continues to formulate his own terms, insisting on the retention of some of the occupied territories and Ukraine’s neutral status. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has even demanded a restructuring of Europe’s security system.
The threat of global conflict
As the conflict escalates, analysts point to serious risks. Incidents in the Baltic Sea, including damage to submarine cables and a confrontation between a British submarine and a Russian spy ship, indicate a dangerous deepening of tensions.
According to analysts at The Observer, the war in Ukraine could escalate into a wider conflict between Russia and the West. The article states:
“This great war, although undeclared, is already underway.”
Western leaders, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, call for a doubling of military support for Ukraine. In turn, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasises the need to mobilise international efforts to deter Moscow’s aggression.
Putin is trying to disrupt the US-led world order by creating a new pole of influence supported by authoritarian regimes. However, experts warn that refusal to stop the war threatens not only Ukraine but the entire world.
