International • May 29, 5:12 PM • Modified at 7:25 AM 'Shocking amateurism' in US-Russia negotiations Author : Bram van Eijndhoven The atmosphere between Washington and Moscow has not improved in recent weeks. The two superpowers are cursing each other and a deal on a ceasefire in Ukraine does not seem to be close. 'What is happening here is completely off the mark, this is pure amateurism', says Rob de Wijk of the The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) in BNR Boekestijn and De Wijk.
The tone in communications between spokespeople and on social media has hardened considerably since US President Trump seems to have realised that his Russian counterpart Putin does not want to make any progress with the peace process. Trump called Putin 'completely crazy' on his platform Truth Social after Russia carried out new large-scale air strikes on Ukraine on Sunday. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov called Trump's reaction to this 'a bit emotional'. Trump in turn said that Putin 'plays with fire' and that 'very bad things' had already happened to Russia without him. Which also provoked sharp reactions from the Russians.
Read also Russian cash reserves 'melting away' but Moscow could continue to wage war "It's total madness," says De Wijk. "These must be people who lead major powers, who are trying to reach an agreement on a ceasefire, and they are cursing each other out. What is happening here is completely out of line, this is pure amateurism."
'Shocking amateurism' But the amateurism doesn't stop there. According to De Wijk, the proposals the Americans have made for a ceasefire in Ukraine are also poorly thought out in some areas. For example, the recognition of Crimea as Russian territory.
Read also Fearing war with Russia, US strengthens Europe's northern front 'No thought was ever given to the consequences this would have for the division of territorial waters and economic zones in the Black Sea,' De Wijk said. 'Then, because of the ceasefire and the concessions Trump is making, there will be a complete confrontation in the Black Sea between Romania, a NATO member, and Russia. It is shockingly amateurish and, to be honest, I have never experienced this in my life.'
