Former Defense Minister Azeredo Lopes has expressed his views on the recent developments in US-Russia relations, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has gained a significant advantage in negotiations with the United States and President Donald Trump.
In a recent analysis, Lopes stated that “very little remains” from the conversation between Trump and Putin. He noted that once again, when given an advantage in a negotiation process, Putin seizes the opportunity, leaving an odd impression where one might expect more euphoric announcements from the US President.
Lopes referred to Trump’s post on his social media platform as “rather modest”, contrasting with the expectations surrounding the call.
The former minister believes that “at the end of the day, Russia’s position becomes increasingly consolidated regarding a more prolonged interruption of hostilities”, while Ukraine finds itself in a position of particular weakness.
“It seems to me that Putin knows well that, at this moment, he has the United States and especially Trump in his hand. Trump places himself in Putin’s arms when he says that the main value he wants to achieve is the cessation of hostilities,” Lopes observed.
He suggests that the United States, particularly Trump, is in a more difficult situation. “I don’t easily see how he can extricate himself from such a heavy boot as the one offered to him today on a silver platter,” Lopes added.
The recent developments include an agreement between Trump and Putin for a 30-day truce limited to energy infrastructure. The two leaders also agreed to immediately initiate peace negotiations, which are set to take place in the Middle East.
Moscow has also agreed to exchange 350 prisoners of war – 175 from each side – with Ukraine on Wednesday. As a gesture of goodwill, Putin informed that Moscow would hand over 23 seriously injured prisoners to Kyiv.
Russia has set conditions for ending hostilities, including ceasing the rearming of Kyiv and halting Western military aid to Ukrainian forces.
In addition to suspending attacks on infrastructure, there are plans for technical negotiations on establishing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, a comprehensive ceasefire, and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Since returning to power on January 20, Donald Trump has initiated a rapprochement with Russia, following the freeze in relations between the two countries during Biden’s term due to the invasion of Ukraine.
