On the afternoon of May 16, 2024, Putin (front left) attended a concert in Beijing commemorating the 75th anniversary of China-Russia (Soviet) diplomatic relations. His gaze was unfocused on the performance, appearing deep in thought. Putin's body also leaned slightly away from Xi Jinping (front right, second from the right).
[People News] The Russia-Ukraine war has now lasted over five years, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and severely impacting their economic and social development. Anti-war sentiments in Moscow have intensified. At this juncture, the instigator, Putin, finds himself in a precarious position. Following several statements this year, he appears to be seeking a more dignified way to conclude the conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump, who has been keen to mediate an end to the war, continues his efforts.
On September 8, President Trump engaged in a phone call with Russian President Putin that lasted approximately one hour. This conversation followed meetings between U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine. Reports indicate that both sides exchanged views on how to advance a resolution to the situation in Ukraine. Russian media and officials described the call between Putin and Trump as constructive, with discussions centered on the potential for ending hostilities and exploring related diplomatic pathways.
Russian officials noted that Trump aims to achieve a breakthrough resolution to the Ukraine issue during his presidential term, stating that "this will immediately open up prospects for the comprehensive restoration of U.S.-Russia relations, which are both remarkable and grand in scale." In essence, if Putin agrees to end the war, it would pave the way for extensive cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, which undoubtedly holds significant appeal for Putin.
The following day, Trump remarked that he had a "fantastic" conversation with Putin, who expressed a desire to reach an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump also mentioned at a press conference that the mutual hatred between Putin and Zelenskyy has contributed to the current stalemate.
Notably, the Russian Satellite News Agency reported on the phone calls between Putin and Trump, providing a detailed record of their 15 conversations since Trump's second term, as follows:
On February 12, 2025, the call lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes. On March 18, it exceeded 1 hour and 30 minutes. On May 19, it lasted over 2 hours. On June 4, the call was 1 hour and 10 minutes long. On June 14, it lasted 50 minutes, during which Putin wished Trump a happy birthday. On July 3, the call lasted about 1 hour. On August 19, it was approximately 40 minutes long. The longest call occurred on October 16, lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. On December 28, the call lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the duration of the call on December 29 remains unspecified.
In 2026, on March 9, the call lasted about 1 hour. On April 29, it was approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long. On June 14, the call lasted 55 minutes, with Putin again wishing Trump a happy birthday. On July 4, the call lasted 1 hour and 25 minutes, during which Putin congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of American independence. Finally, on September 8, the call lasted 1 hour.
The Russian media's listing of the times and durations of the 15 calls between Trump and Putin over the past two years indicates that Moscow's leadership has consistently maintained communication with Washington's top officials. It also suggests that Putin has not abandoned the idea of Trump mediating the conflict or the potential for improving U.S.-Russia relations. Putin understands that, in today's world, only the United States possesses the capability to mediate effectively.
Due to prolonged sanctions from the US and Europe, Putin has been compelled to deepen the strategic partnership with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to sustain economic development and the ongoing war. It is the CCP's ongoing support, including the provision of technology and weaponry, that has enabled Russia to continue its military efforts. In turn, the CCP has leveraged this situation to present several demands to Putin. Both parties have their own interests, temporarily uniting for mutual benefit, while each harbors its own concerns.
Over the past year, the CCP has expressed dissatisfaction with the 'warmth' between Putin and Trump during Xi's meetings with Putin, warning that US-Russia cooperation should not undermine CCP interests and hoping that Russia will 'fully consolidate and maintain the overall cooperation.' Furthermore, the CCP appears to be inclined to delay the oil pipeline project proposed by Putin. Clearly, the relationship between China and Russia is not as 'close-knit' as state media suggests.
The release of call records with Trump seems primarily aimed at Zhongnanhai; what are the thoughts of the CCP's senior leadership? The author speculates that, amid internal turmoil and factional struggles within the CCP, few individuals are genuinely concerned about this issue.
Faced with both internal and external pressures, Putin's willingness to end the war is growing, but he is determined not to lose face. For Putin, as long as the war continues and relations with the US have not fully improved, he will maintain ties with Beijing and continue to receive its support. However, who can guarantee that the US-Russia relationship won't suddenly shift at some point?!
(People News first published) △
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