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Putin-Trump talk indicates progress in Russia-Ukraine negotiations — expert

Mark Episkopos, the Eurasia Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said that "both Russia and Ukraine want the White House to remain engaged in the peace process."

WASHINGTON, May 20. /TASS/. Monday's phone conversation between Russian and US Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump reflects "substantive progress" in setting a "negotiated track" between Moscow and Kiev, Mark Episkopos, the Eurasia Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told TASS.

"The Trump-Putin call reflects substantive progress in setting up a negotiated track between Russia and Ukraine. President Trump understands the importance of maintaining buy-in from all sides, including the Europeans, as the process moves forward, hence his emphasis on being in regular communication with the stakeholders," the US expert pointed out.

In his view, "both Russia and Ukraine want the White House to remain engaged in the peace process." "This gives President Trump considerable leverage to shape the agenda in a way that's conducive for successful talks," the political expert believes. In his assessment, "many of the levers the US has to help bridge the negotiating gap between Russia and Ukraine are off the battlefield."

"Economic incentives, including the trade opportunities discussed by the president, are a key part of a larger policy package intended to engage Russia on a positive footing not just for narrow purposes of war termination but to help sustain a constructive US-Russia relationship after a peace deal is reached," Episkopos believes.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US leader Donald Trump spoke over the phone. Putin described the more than two-hour conversation as informative and frank. It marked their third call since the beginning of the year.

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Ukraine Vladimir Putin United States Donald Trump

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