Russians on the streets of Moscow told AFP that Donald Trump’s return to the White House will not bring an early end to the nearly three-year-long conflict in Ukraine. The US president-elect, who will be inaugurated on Monday, has promised a quick end to the fighting, with his team insisting both sides will have to make concessions.
But on the drizzly streets of Moscow just days before Trump’s return, there was little confidence that the real estate mogul turned politician would be able to get a deal done.
“Whether it’s Trump or any other politician, nothing will change,” Igor, a 37-year-old engineer, said as he walked past the US embassy in the Russian capital.
“Only one person can change things and we know who he is,” he said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“If he wants it, it’ll stop.”
The Kremlin has said it is ready for talks with Trump on Ukraine. But it also outlined tough conditions for the ceasefire, demanding Ukraine withdraw its troops from four areas in its east and south that Russia claims.
Trump’s pledge of a quick peace has raised concerns in Kiev that Ukraine could be forced to accept a deal favorable to Moscow.
But there was skepticism in the Russian capital about what Trump could offer.
“I’m afraid Trump is going to impose conditions that don’t suit us. He wants a ceasefire and we want victory,” Anna Petrova, a 75-year-old pensioner, told AFP.
He dismissed the incoming Republicans as “populists”, citing their calls for annexation of Canada and Greenland.
Aliya Antonova, 71, said she was also unsure.
He said, “I think it’s unlikely he’ll have anything acceptable to us. He’ll obviously make his point and I think we certainly won’t agree on it.”
‘Maybe with time’
The armies of both sides are trying to gain an edge on the battlefield before Trump returns to power.
Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy and military sites hundreds of kilometers behind the front lines. It has also begun using Western-supplied rockets on Russian territory, sparking anger in the Kremlin.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are advancing in the eastern Donetsk region, where Ukraine is facing shortages of manpower and equipment.
Despite Trump’s desire for a quick peace, the two sides appear far apart on what a potential agreement might look like.
Amid skepticism in Moscow, some expressed hope for a deal — but not on Trump’s deadline.
“I don’t think the situation will change fundamentally any time soon,” said Anton, 45, who works for a government company.
Before adding: “Maybe over time.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
