**Tensions Run Deep Between Trump and Putin**
Despite President-elect Donald Trump’s public outreach to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, tensions between the two leaders remain high. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Trump’s “warm” words towards Putin hide deep-seated disagreements.
**No Peace Talks on the Horizon**
Putin’s refusal to make concessions complicates any potential peace talks with the US. Trump and Putin failed to reach agreements on core issues such as arms control, security cooperation, and continued US support for Ukraine during Trump’s first term in office.
**Russia’s Demands**
Russia wants significant territorial concessions from Ukraine and assurances that Kyiv will not join NATO. They also seek a rollback of extensive US sanctions. Former US diplomat Kurt Volker believes that Putin is not ready to make any concessions, as he has the financial and emotional resources to continue his current course of action.
**Trump’s Approach**
Volker says that Trump does not demonize the person he’s negotiating with, but instead wants to make a deal. This means that Trump may be willing to compromise on some issues, but Putin’s refusal to budge makes it difficult to reach an agreement.
**No Softening Expected**
A former US diplomat to Russia stated that Putin believes he is “doing quite well” on the battlefield and sees no reason to soften his behavior. This suggests that Putin is unlikely to make concessions, even with increased diplomatic contact from Trump.
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