There have been some rumours recently that former American president Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, to make peace in Europe.

Depending on the current European geopolitical situation, and more so following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Trump as the mediator is somewhat appealing and provocative. But how factual is it to hold such a posturing, and can such a call even transform the already charged Europe?

Trump and Putin: An Unlikely Peacemaker?

Donald Trump’s approach to U.S.-Russia relations has always been different from the approaches of the other presidents. To varying degrees, previous administrations have both sanctioned Russia and condemned Putin’s policies; however, their language about Putin appears to have largely been one of mutual respect from Trump. Regardless of whether one sees this relationship as strategically or diametrically opposed, followers are wondering whether Trump might be able to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict if he were to either run for president again or win office.

Could Putin have even taken Trump’s call for peace seriously?

Even if one played through the hypothetical and Trump contacted Putin, it is also uncertain how Putin would take it. This is about the Ukraine conflict. Putin has not represented it in a way that this is about the sovereignty of Ukraine and things that Putin sees as vital to Russia’s national security and history. No matter who is calling on the phone, he may not be easily inclined to bend on. Using a logic that Trump might employ with Putin given the President’s “America First” policy, the latter might say, This would be good for you and good for me; let us reduce the tension to make the world a better place to live in. However, Putin’s objectives are subjects of concern to Russia; probably a request may not be adequate to influence him.

What Could Trump Get Out of Interacting with Putin?

Many might wonder why Trump would even think of making any changes to such an already sensitive and fragile system. First, Trump has always been egoistic about the powerful role of the USA in international affairs, but in a rather non-conventional way. His approach has been to avoid big power commitments and instead work to build only some selective relationships around the world.

Could a “Call for Peace” change anything in Europe?

Another important point is that whatever happened does not change the great power politics on the European continent. Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine has some historical backgrounds and the main issues characteristic of NATO enlargement, regional security, and territorial disputes. There can be no ‘phone diplomacy solution since the conflict is multi-party, where both NATO and Ukraine themselves must want peace in Europe as much as Russia does.

Also, most European countries have taken a weakened position on Russia after the invasion, which fits well with NATO-imposed sanctions and a unified approach to the conflict. For them, there could be no peace without Russia leaving Ukraine alone, which Putin does not seem inclined to do. The usage of one phone call made in setting the stage for peace appears quite unconvincing, but at the same time, it can be viewed as a manifestation of the world leaders’ growing readiness for the conflict's ending.

President Trump and Trends of Shifts in the Relationship Between the United States and Russia

When Trump runs for office again and hopefully becomes the leader, his stand about Russia will remain the same as before, less aggressive. This could lead to diplomatic relations, but whether this would in turn cause serious changes is rather doubtful.

The contemporary Russia-Ukraine conflict involves so many interests, beginning with sanctions and going through global security, that none of the actors can significantly alter the dynamics.

All in all, it is still a worthy idea to think that Trump can call Putin to restore peace in Europe as it fits Trump’s approach referred to as a ‘deal-maker,’ though, in fact, such a call will not be much of a use. Saving of peace in Europe will indeed be a noble idea for many people; however, it must be approached at many levels, beginning with NATO membership and recognition by the EU and ending with the Russian political regime’s desire to seek diplomatic outcomes.

Thus, for now anything that involves Trump and the peace initiative should be regarded as tentative, but on the lack of evidence. With Trump’s “deal-maker” persona, the practical impact of such a move would likely be limited. Peace in Europe is a goal shared by many but requires a multilayered approach, one that involves cooperation from NATO, the European Union, and a willingness on Russia’s part to seek diplomatic solutions.

For now, any talk of a Trump-led peace initiative should be seen as speculation without a concrete basis.