Trump Wants an End to the War... But Putin's Ambition Goes Beyond That

CNN Analysis:
"Russia Still Aims to Reshape Security Landscape"

U.S. President Donald Trump sought negotiations hoping to end the Ukraine war, but analysis suggests that Russian President Vladimir Putin's ambitions go beyond just a ceasefire.

On the 22nd (local time), U.S. CNN reported this analysis, stating, "Above all, Putin wants to see a new world order and desires Russia to play a leading role within it."

President Putin has, for now, stepped into the U.S.-led Ukraine ceasefire negotiations. However, there are no signs that he is abandoning his original grand dream of ending Ukraine's existence as an independent nation and reducing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to Cold War-era levels.

CNN pointed out that Putin's participation in the ceasefire talks is due to the U.S. stance changing 180 degrees with President Trump's inauguration, not because Russia's mindset has changed.

If President Trump believes that the sooner the ceasefire happens, even if Ukraine loses territory, the better, then from Putin's perspective, entering negotiations is not necessarily a loss. In fact, on the 18th, Putin rejected Trump's proposal for a full ceasefire and only accepted a '30-day ceasefire' limited to the energy and infrastructure sectors during their phone call. He preserved Trump's dignity while securing practical benefits.

CNN noted that Putin and his close aides have made it clear that Russia's 'long-term goals' remain unchanged, and multiple Russian officials have consistently argued that the 'root causes' of the Ukraine conflict must be removed. From Russia's viewpoint, the 'root causes' are Ukraine's sovereignty, democratically elected President Volodymyr Zelensky, and NATO's eastward expansion over the past 30 years.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States.

CNN believes that although Putin did not achieve these goals through the invasion of Ukraine, he may use other means. There is a possibility of establishing a pro-Russian regime in Ukraine through elections under U.S. acquiescence.

Russian security expert Mark Galeotti analyzed that for the Putin regime, pushing for a ceasefire is merely an opportunity to secure a quick victory while keeping an eye on the 'long-term goals.' He emphasized, "Putin is an opportunist who likes to create dynamic and chaotic situations to generate various opportunities. Then he chooses which opportunity he likes and can change his mind."

Monica White, a professor at the University of Nottingham in the UK, diagnosed that Putin's overwhelming desire is Russia's return to the global stage, aiming to create rifts between Europe and the U.S. and cooperate with other hostile Western countries. She predicted, "Russia wants to sit at every important negotiation table. Even if it is not territorial conquest in Europe, it believes it must play a leading role in a stronger sphere of influence."