Well, the long-awaited phone call took place today as scheduled, and after more than 90 minutes of back-and-forth, the result is . . .

“We’ll talk some more.”

That’s oversimplification, of course. But — as anticipated — Putin gave up practically nothing when he agreed to call a 30-day halt to strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector and infrastructure. That is not the cease-fire that Trump was proposing; there is still plenty left for Russia to aim at, such as residential and commercial buildings, churches, schools, historical monuments, and individual civilians walking along the street.

On March 16th, I predicted that Trump’s post-call statements would be — my exact words — “We had a really good, really productive call. I am really very optimistic . . . really.”

In his actual comments on his Truth Social platform today, he described the call as — his exact words — “very good and productive.” [RFE/RL, March 18, 2025.]

No, I don’t claim to be psychic; he’s just so predictable in some ways.

He did go on to say, “We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine. Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end.” [Id.]

I’m sure he’s right about Zelensky wanting to stop the carnage; but Putin . . . well, that’s a whole different story. Because he immediately came forward with his usual litany of requirements, including an end to all military aid and intelligence sharing on Ukraine’s behalf, abandonment of Ukraine’s goal of joining NATO and/or the European Union, and a prohibition against all military presence in Ukraine from any NATO or NATO-friendly country.

Of course, Russia’s not being a member of NATO would leave the door wide open for their troops to set up camp wherever and whenever they choose, on one pretense or another.

The statement from the Kremlin included the following:

“It was emphasized that the key condition for preventing the escalation of the conflict and working towards its resolution through political and diplomatic means should be the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kyiv.” They also said that peace talks would need “to take into account the absolute need to eliminate the root causes of the crisis, and Russia’s legitimate interests in the area of security.” [Id.]

In other words, the bully takes all.

*. *. *

Meanwhile, back at the war, Ukrainian President Zelensky reported continued attacks on infrastructure, including at least 40 drone strikes today alone.

So what did the marathon phone call accomplish? Thus far, it seems to be little more than an agreement to continue discussions.

Whoop-de-doo!

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
3/18/25