Performative Negotiations to Humor Trump
Foreign Policy
by Angela StentFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Russia-Ukraine war remains unresolved more than a year after U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end it within 24 hours of his second-term inauguration. Russian President Vladimir Putin views these negotiations as performative, with no real intention of concessions. He understands Trump’s desire to reset U.S.-Russia relations and secure profitable deals, which drives Trump to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into making one-sided compromises. This dynamic allows Putin to humor Trump while preventing further punitive actions against Russia.
The Trump administration has pursued two tracks in its efforts to end the war: a bilateral U.S.-Russia track focused on improving relations and sealing business deals, and a trilateral U.S.-Russia-Ukraine track involving all three nations. However, Europe, which provides most of the financial and military assistance to Ukraine, has been largely excluded from these negotiations despite its significant role in supporting Kyiv.
Instead of deploying seasoned diplomats, Trump has sent his personal friend and fellow real-estate billionaire Steve Witkoff as a special envoy to Russia. Despite six visits to Russia, Witkoff has yet to visit Ukraine, raising questions about the administration’s priorities and understanding of the conflict. Putin, with his background in the KGB, is adept at manipulating U.S. negotiators, using flattery and charm to maintain control over the process.
This approach matters because it highlights the complexities of performative diplomacy and its implications for international relations. Trump’s focus on business deals with Russia aligns with his admiration for Putin but comes at the expense of Ukraine’s interests, as evidenced by the U.S. government’s reduced financial and military support for Kyiv. The exclusion of Europe from key negotiations underscores a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, which prioritizes bilateral relations over multilateral efforts.
The situation also raises concerns about the long-term consequences of such an approach. By focusing on short-term gains with Russia, the U.S. risks undermining its relationships with allies like Ukraine and Europe, who are crucial to countering Russian aggression. The performative nature of these negotiations not only fails to address the root causes of the conflict but also sets a dangerous precedent for future diplomatic efforts.
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Originally published on Foreign Policy on 2/23/2026