First, Ukraine has continued to attack Russia’s energy facilities, but this has not forced Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Instead, it has made the conflict more intense.
More importantly, damage to energy facilities can drive up fuel prices, increase ordinary people’s living costs, and also affect domestic politics in the United States.
Trump also hopes to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict as soon as possible, shift more resources to Asia, and strengthen the United States’ position in global competition through energy cooperation with Russia.
Putin also has reasons to negotiate: a long war and an arms race create great economic pressure and may cause Russia to lose other development opportunities.
If the United States can help Russia, Ukraine, and Europe reach an energy arrangement and restart arms-control talks, Russia may make some concessions on the Ukraine issue.