Diplomacy over Ukraine has develop into much more of a sport of high-stakes poker.
Within the early hours, Vladimir Putin performed his hand, rejecting calls for for a ceasefire and proposing direct talks in Istanbul as an alternative.
That was in response to the opening gambit made on Saturday by Ukraine and its European allies.
Picture:
Sir Keir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron amongst world leaders in Kyiv. Pic: AP
Britain’s Sir Keir Starmer stated they had been “calling Putin out”, that if he was actually severe about peace, he ought to comply with a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning on Monday.
They usually thought they’d Donald Trump’s backing till he made his transfer.
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2:29
Kremlin: ‘We do not share Starmer’s view’
Late Sunday, he drove a cart and horses via claims of western unity, coming down on Putin’s facet.
Ukraine, he stated, ought to undergo the Russian chief’s suggestion of talks.
“Ukraine should agree to this – immediately”, he posted. Then: “I’m starting to doubt that Ukraine will make a deal with Putin…”
A lot for the Coalition of the Keen having Putin the place they wished him.
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11:51
Are Putin’s name for peace talks real?
Trump let him off the hook.
All eyes had been then on President Zelenskyy, who has now in flip dramatically raised the stakes.
He’ll go to Istanbul, he stated, and wait there for Vladimir Putin.
Over to you, Vladimir.
The fast-paced diplomacy apart, the final twenty-four hours have introduced Europe nearer to a second of reality.
They thought they’d Donald Trump’s assist and but even with 30 nations demanding an unconditional ceasefire, the US president appeared, ultimately, to facet with the Russian chief.
He has helped Putin get out of a gap.
But once more, Trump couldn’t be counted on to strain Vladimir Putin to finish this warfare.
If America is now not a dependable associate over Ukraine, Europe might must go it alone, no matter the price.
