Russia is escalating its offensive operations in the areas Putin seeks to integrate into Russia. The objective is to secure these territories quickly. Putin has reportedly proposed to Trump that Russia’s control over these regions be recognized as a key step towards peace. This suggests a strategy of territorial acquisition followed by negotiations. However, the path to a settlement appears complicated, with European nations advocating for security guarantees for Ukraine, while Zelensky remains firm in his stance against territorial compromises.
Russia is currently focused on regions like Donetsk, where it occupies a substantial portion of the territory, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, and Kharkiv. These areas have significant populations of Russian speakers. The capture of these regions is seen as vital for Russia to solidify its position.
The outcome of the Washington talks suggests that Putin is unwilling to concede these six regions. Zelensky’s negotiations with Trump have not resulted in the acceptance of Putin’s demands. Given the circumstances, a settlement is likely to favor Russia’s terms, and Russia doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to end the war.
Russia has voiced strong opposition to the presence of NATO forces. Dmitry Medvedev expressed Russia’s firm stance against the deployment of NATO troops. The removal of sanctions against Putin’s allies, as proposed by Trump, is linked to the prospect of a ceasefire.