I am going to make this a post as opposed to a reply because there are so many comments to reply to, not just because I think everyone should hear my opinion, which as a nearly 18 year old Aussie (you are the age you feel get over it), with 60 years of experience, is always right.
Unlike the doomsayers, I was perfectly happy with the outcome of the talks, in fact, it is in my mind a huge step forward. I more than most want this war to end, but I want a real end to the war, and my concern was that the usa would push for an artificial one, and Russia might cave in key points, or that Russia would stand firm, and Trump would beat his chest and double down on his stupidity. They didn't, and Russia didn't cave. This underlines several things. The Russian economy is strong, it's military is strong and growing, and it's confidence in outright victory, and ability to contain this conflict in Ukraine are high. This in itself is a message that many will miss through the smoke and mirrors, but it is the underlying message here in my opinion. Putin could have used this as an exit ramp with a big win in retaining existing territories, but he didn't. That speaks volumes the West won't hear.
The agreement by Putin to cease attacks on energy infrastructure is a win for trump, it is a very small step I agree, and not really a concession by Russia, but it is a step whose direction is positive. That's a win. The longest journey starts with the smallest step, and can't begin until one is taken. We all know the Kiev cabal will break that agreement, even if it agrees, and they will posture and threaten and this will further isolate them with trumps admin, and eventually it's eu partners who will soon stare down the abyss and realise talk is cheap.
Like the discussions with Yermak et al in Jeddah, this is an agreement between Trump and Putin, it isn't a real agreement until zelenksy signs on, but this is a massive trap for the murderous degenerate cokehead king. One he is not smart enough to navigate. The ball is now firmly in Ukraine's court....
This step is the first, and it will take many more, but Putin has signalled Russian security interests won't be compromised, Russian resolve and strength is growing, and the West will need to capitulate at some point. For Russia there is no rush needed, and that is what should be taken from this discussion.
