The conflict in Ukraine is expected to persist for an extended period, with diplomatic efforts such as US envoy Steve Witkoff’s peace summits with Vladimir Putin seemingly losing effectiveness. These meetings, including those between Trump and Putin, are increasingly seen as opportunities for the Russian leader to assert dominance over the West and bolster his image domestically.
The Kremlin was anticipated to reject any revised peace proposal, as it would likely fall short of Putin’s original demands. President Trump’s 28-point peace plan aligned closely with Kremlin requirements, making it challenging to present alternative solutions.
Putin appears unwilling to compromise and is unlikely to deviate from his wartime objectives, as suggested by the Institute for the Study of War. The ongoing conflict is crucial for Putin’s support base and his political survival, indicating a reluctance to seek a resolution.
The situation is dire for Ukrainians facing severe disruptions to their energy infrastructure due to aggressive Russian attacks. Ukrainian counterattacks targeting Kremlin energy facilities aim to pressure Putin and disrupt his military operations, while also diminishing his financial resources from energy exports.
Putin’s refusal to end the war indicates a strategic move to maintain leverage over the White House. The failure to reach a peace agreement weakens the Trump administration without compelling Putin to engage in meaningful negotiations.
There is a growing possibility of the US withdrawing support for Ukraine, leaving Kyiv to defend itself against Russian forces. European leaders may soon face a critical decision on how to handle Putin’s aggression, with tensions escalating.
The West may be edging closer to direct confrontation with Russia, prompting NATO to reevaluate its defense posture against Russian aggression. The covert tactics employed by Russia could escalate into overt acts of aggression, challenging NATO’s readiness for potential conflict.
Addressing Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics will require a firm stance from the US to disentangle from Russian influence and demonstrate readiness to confront any provocations.
