Putin Flexes Control, Keeps Trump Waiting an Hour for Call

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin took a step towards ending the Russia-Ukraine war by talking on the phone on Tuesday. Both the leaders agreed on a ceasefire regarding attacks targeting energy and infrastructure. The US President has described this conversation as excellent. However, media reports are claiming that Putin made Trump wait for about an hour to talk on the phone. This is also being seen as an insult to the US President. Not only this, Russia also rejected the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US President.

Putin's Power Play

Putin made Trump wait for an hour to make the phone call and then agreed to limit attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. It is being said that Putin was busy in an annual event with industrialists and businessmen in Moscow when Trump wanted to talk to the Russian President.Trump's phone call was scheduled between 4 PM and 6 PM Russian time. The host of the program reminded Putin about the call around 4 PM. In response, Putin ignored it with a smiley. This can be seen in the viral footage. Putin reached the Kremlin around 5 PM. After this, both of them talked on the phone.

Trump's Pride Stung

The viral video has created a stir on social media. Many people saw it as a deliberate insult to Trump.  But this was extremely cruel," wrote a user. "Putin ignored the warning and humiliated Trump in front of the world," wrote another.Some saw the delay as a clear sign in Putin's favor. "Putin played Trump his way. He has no real intention of a ceasefire and continues to push his agenda, confusing world leaders," said one user.

Delayed Diplomacy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country would support a proposal to halt attacks on infrastructure for 30 days. He said Russia carried out more than 40 drone attacks on Tuesday night, including on a hospital in Sumy and the Kiev region. It would be right for the world to reject Putin's attempts to prolong the war," Zelensky said in his Telegram message.