The Kremlin shows no intention of backing down. The Russia–US meeting was intended to persuade Americans to increase pressure on Ukraine and push it toward accepting Moscow's demands, which de facto mean capitulation, analysts told The Washington Post.
“Putin is happy with the war’s progress. He changes into his military uniform three times a month and personally commands generals over maps,” notes Alexander Baunov, analyst at the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Russia-Eurasia Program.
Another expert, Vladimir Pastukhov, honorary professor at University College London, says Putin is not in a position of someone who seeks peace at any cost. For now, he is willing to end the war only on conditions favorable to him.
“The terms of this peace would be unfair, humiliating for Ukraine, and insulting to Europe,” he added.
Kremlin maintains constant pressure on Ukraine
According to Tetyana Stanova of the Carnegie Center, Moscow is currently trying to compel the US to pressure Kyiv into accepting Russian conditions as the only "viable route to peace.”
In addition, amid the peace talks, Putin threatened to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea. He also stated that Russia is ready for war with Europe "right now, if Europe starts it."
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel called these statements “horrible," adding that they should be taken as “a serious warning” for European nations to boost their defenses.
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