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Snapshot 6:Thu, Jul 3, 2025 7:34:51 PM GMT last edited by Kevin

Trump, Putin Hold Phone Call on Ukraine and the Middle East

Trump, Putin Hold Phone Call Amidon Ukraine Weaponsand Pausethe Middle East

Trump, Putin Hold Phone Call on Ukraine and the Middle East
Above: Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the New Ideas For New Times Forum in Moscow, Russia on July 3, 2025. Image credit: Contributor/Getty Images

The Spin

President Trump’s decisionis making smart, courageous moves to pausebring weaponspeace deliveries iseven aif smart,that necessarymeans steppausing tosome protectweapons U.S.shipments stockpilesto andUkraine createto open space for diplomacy. He’sPutin showingrespects realthat leadershipkind byof refusingleadership. toTheir fuelcall ashows wardialogue withoutis aalive, pathand tothat peacematters. PutinThe respectsU.S. that courage, and togetherRussia they can achieveaccomplish reala progresslot — from Ukraine to the Middle East — if both sides stay focused on ending conflictwar, not prolonging it.

HaltingDuring criticaltheir weaponscall, toTrump Ukrainepushed mid-conflictfor weakensa itsquick defenseceasefire andwhile playsPutin intomade Putinclear Russia wonst handsabandon its war goals. Yet Trump’s decision underminesto allies,pause emboldenskey Russia,weapons shipments to Ukraine — including air defenses and delaysartillery peace byhands giving Moscow morea leveragestrategic edge. FarIt fromreinforces bold diplomacy, itPutin’s abelief dangerous gamble that signalsthe retreatWest is notlosing resolve, while andundermining only strengthens PutinTrump’s beliefclaim thatto helead canpeace outlastefforts Westernfrom supporta position of strength.

Metaculus Prediction

There's a 50% chance there will be a bilateral ceasefire or peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine by March 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0