This is how Russia "wants" to reach to reach peace. Sending some guys who don't have power to decide anything is just waste of time. But I expected similar scenario. Maybe Trump finally will realize who actually want to reach peace. But for now we have situation which is leading nowhere.
Is that what you want to happen or you honestly assess that there's over 50% chance that in the next month Trump will do 180 turn and will start lobbying his party republicans to send more weapons and aid to Ukraine (instead of just walking away as his team keep saying)?
If we talk just about bolded part, I had zero expectations that these negotiations will achieve something, what actually happened today. You simply can't achieve anything with some 3rd tier forgotten politicians. Something can be achieved only when Putin, Zelensky and probably Trump will face to face. Though, still not sure that it would give results.
When it comes to Trump, you always can expect the unexpected from him. Maybe he won't make a 180 turn, but I don't believe that he simply will walk away as it was said multiple times.
Why are you not happy that these negotiations led to the largest prisoner exchange with prospect of further negotiations? Would you rather that it didn't happen?
Exchanging prisoners is good. Calling this a negotiation is not. For what has come out Ruzzia said exactly the same things they have been saying for years - which is, as one may suspect, not acceptable to Ukraine. Basically talking anexation, conditions, etc... basically a surrender.
So, then Ruzzian "diplomacy" went into the usual "double down", something like if you do not give us what we want, next time we ask for another 2 regions or whatever.
Well, it seems that Trump may speak with Putin, but I think he understands a bit more about "Ruzzian diplomacy" and did not want to travel to Turkiye to have his name associated with a failed negotiation. Let's see how this plays, Ukraine may after all get some more decissive help - I am not betting the house but...
Guessing you're staying consistent and against these talks too? Need to get Ukrainians in line, no talks until Russia wastes all their ammo, just need to mobilize younger Ukrainians instead of talks, right?