Russian and Western experts are skeptical of US President Donald Trump’s claims of discussing peace in Ukraine with Vladimir Putin. Trump recently stated Putin wants to “see people stop dying” and he intends to “end this damn thing.” Experts, however, warn Putin lacks any real incentive to negotiate despite Trump’s threats and flattery.
Almost three years into Russia’s invasion, Kremlin forces are reportedly making steady gains on the battlefield, while Ukraine faces personnel and weaponry shortages. This suggests Putin is closer than ever to achieving his objectives in the war-torn nation.
While Russia is enduring heavy casualties and economic strain from Western sanctions, experts highlight Putin’s vast reserves of soldiers and Russia’s economic resilience. Putin’s intensified crackdown on dissent also eliminates domestic pressure to end the conflict. Fyodor Lukyanov, head of Moscow’s Council for Foreign and Defence Policies, who recently hosted a forum with Putin, states, “In the West, the idea came from somewhere that it’s important to Putin to reach an agreement and end things. This is not the case.”