The next two weeks will be a decisive fortnight for the war in Ukraine, as a deadline from U.S. President Donald Trump has put a global spotlight on the long-running conflict. The world is now watching to see if a diplomatic breakthrough can be achieved under pressure.
President Trump has forced the issue by threatening to either impose “massive sanctions” on Russia or walk away from the peace process entirely. This all-or-nothing approach is designed to break the current stalemate.
The pressure is now squarely on Russian President Vladimir Putin to respond. His initial reaction has been to praise Trump, calling him a “light at the end of the tunnel,” which may indicate a willingness to negotiate.
However, the path forward is complicated by Putin’s strong stance on national sovereignty, which he deems essential for Russia’s survival. The challenge for diplomats over the next fortnight will be to find a solution that satisfies Trump’s demand for action while respecting Russia’s stated red lines.