Due to the feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the American leader may meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin sooner than previously planned. This scenario is reportedly being discussed "behind closed doors" within the U.S. administration, according to CNN.
It is noted that in Moscow, there is growing optimism that the conflict between the presidents of Ukraine and the U.S. may push negotiations to end the war to the background in favor of potentially beneficial economic agreements between the U.S. and Russia.
The publication states that preparations are currently underway for a second round of negotiations between American and Russian delegations, which "could take place soon, possibly in one of the Gulf countries."
Kremlin representative Kirill Dmitriev mentioned during these negotiations that cooperation with the U.S. could involve "energy" deals, although specific details have not yet been disclosed.
The article reminds readers that there have also been reports of attempts to attract American investors to restore the Russian gas pipeline "Nord Stream 2," which Germany halted at the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The publication highlights that the opportunity for the U.S. to gain enormous profits from business with Russia is indeed evident, as Russia ranks fourth in the world in terms of mineral resource reserves. This attracts President Trump, who is "known for his relentless pursuit of profitable deals."
However, the article suggests that what is happening seems to be much more than just business—it represents "a fundamental reboot of U.S.-Russia relations":
"The rapprochement with the Kremlin jeopardizes the U.S. relationship with its traditional allies, leaving Europe to face the consequences of a radical shift in Washington's global politics."
The publication seeks to answer why the U.S. president is choosing the Kremlin over America's traditional partners, while dismissing the notion that Trump is a Kremlin agent or has personal obligations to Putin.
"Perhaps it lies in the right-wing ideological fantasy that Russia is a natural ally for the U.S. in future confrontations with China, and that it can be pulled away from its most important partner," the publication states.
At the same time, it describes this assumption as "dubious."
There is no doubt, however, the article emphasizes, that the typically tense, if not openly hostile, relations between the U.S. and Russia "appear to be entering a new, radical phase."
Deterioration of U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Key Points
As previously reported by UNIAN, on February 28 in Washington, Zelensky had a heated live debate with Trump. The emotional dispute ended with the Ukrainian president leaving the White House without signing the mineral resources agreement he had come for, and without reaching an understanding with the American leader regarding the terms of a potential peace agreement with Russia.
Afterward, Trump stated that "President Zelensky is not ready for peace" and that "he showed disrespect to the United States in their cherished Oval Office." He added that "he can return when he is ready for peace."
Meanwhile, Zelensky believes that relations with Trump can still be salvaged even after their quarrel in the Oval Office. "I think our relationship will continue," he said. Zelensky also noted in a conversation with journalists that negotiations should continue behind closed doors.