Recent statements by US President Donald Trump about his intention to increase economic pressure on Russia in order to force Vladimir Putin to sit down at the negotiating table regarding Ukraine did not cause a significant reaction from the Kremlin. Putin’s closest circle considers these statements rather rhetorical, informs The Wall Street Journal.
Despite the depletion of resources and manpower due to the war, the Kremlin is convinced that it can successfully withstand the pressure of sanctions and is able to continue the conflict for at least another year. Although Russia is losing both human and financial resources, analysts note that they are still sufficient to continue hostilities.
According to the WSJ, the removal of the new US aid package for Ukraine from the agenda makes Trump’s warning not serious enough to influence Moscow’s position. The Kremlin continues to insist on its main demands: recognition of captured territories, termination of Ukraine’s cooperation with NATO, and significant reduction of Ukrainian armed forces. In Moscow, Trump’s statements are considered more of a gesture to strengthen his position within the country, rather than a real signal for negotiations.
According to experts, Putin seeks a direct summit with Trump to discuss settlement terms favorable to Moscow, without the participation of the Ukrainian leadership. Therefore, Trump’s latest warning is likely to be perceived by the Kremlin as a way for the new US president to demonstrate his tough stance to voters, rather than as a real threat.
