This article discusses the current state of US-Russia relations, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The author highlights how the Trump administration has been more inclined to use a carrot rather than a stick when dealing with Russia, often making concessions in exchange for little or nothing from Moscow.
Key points made in the article include:
* The Trump administration’s reluctance to impose stronger sanctions on Russia, despite reports of considering “aggressive sanctions enforcement.”
* The current sanctions imposed by the US are not considered significant enough to be used as leverage.
* The effectiveness of these measures has been undermined, with Hungary receiving a waiver to buy Russian gas and the recent sanctions imposed on a network supplying the Houthis being seen as more focused on the group rather than Russia itself.
* Trump’s decision to suspend military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after a heated exchange with President Zelensky is also highlighted.
* Experts, including John Herbst, an expert at the Atlantic Council and former US ambassador to Ukraine, suggest that this approach encourages Putin to double down on stalling the ceasefire.
Overall, the article suggests that the Trump administration’s strategy of making concessions to Russia has not yielded the desired results, with Moscow continuing to stall the ceasefire and show little willingness to compromise.