Russian President Vladimir Putin appears satisfied with the recent visit of US envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow. Russia has effectively sidelined Kyiv’s European allies from the negotiating table, according to Bloomberg.
This peace plan is being driven solely by Washington and Moscow, just as Putin has always preferred.
Putin sidelines Ukraine and keeps the West on edge
Additionally, the Kremlin recognizes that Trump seeks to claim credit for ending the largest war in Europe since World War II and aims to avoid further US sanctions, thereby presenting itself as actively engaged in diplomacy.
Putin likely calculates that the longer he negotiates with Trump, the greater the potential gain in the end.
This approach shows no genuine intent for peace, as Russia continues military operations alongside diplomacy, using talks as a tool to advance its aggressive objectives.
Ukraine struggles to maintain leverage
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces enormous challenges in preserving his country’s leverage over its fate, while Europe complains about being kept in the dark regarding peace talks that affect the security of the entire continent.
Belgium is raising additional concerns by blocking the EU proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund urgently needed loans to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Putin mocked European leaders for “obstructing Trump.”
The Russian leader is set to travel to India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host him, highlighting the Kremlin’s ability to remain unisolated despite initiating the war.
