**Russia’s Escalation Plans in Ukraine Revealed**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly told US President Donald Trump that he intends to increase military operations in eastern Ukraine within the next 60 days. This revelation comes as Russian forces have been intensifying their assaults on Donetsk Oblast and attempting to breach neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
According to Axios, Putin informed Trump during a call between the leaders earlier this month that Moscow plans to continue its offensive operations until it secures full control over occupied Ukrainian regions. Trump allegedly told French President Emmanuel Macron after the call that Putin “wants to take all of it.”
Russia currently occupies around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including most of Luhansk Oblast, two-thirds of Donetsk Oblast, and parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts. Moscow’s annexation of these regions in late 2022 is widely regarded as illegitimate internationally.
**US Pledges Support to Ukraine**
In response to Putin’s plans, US President Trump has pledged to send additional Patriot air-defense systems to Kyiv. If approved, this would mark the first military package sent to Ukraine by Trump, not initiated by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Ukrainian leaders have repeatedly urged Western partners to expand air defense coverage as Russian forces continue to target Ukrainian cities with drones, missiles, and aerial bombs.
The US president’s shift in stance appears to be a response to Russia’s rejection of a ceasefire and the Kremlin’s continued aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities. Trump is expected to unveil a new weapons plan for Ukraine that will likely include offensive arms, such as long-range missiles.
**Negotiations Between Moscow and Kyiv**
Moscow and Kyiv have held two rounds of face-to-face talks in Istanbul this year, but no significant progress has been made towards a ceasefire. The meetings have led to several prisoner exchanges, but Russia’s maximalist demands continue to hinder meaningful negotiations.
In light of Putin’s reported plans to escalate military operations, it remains to be seen whether Western leaders will take further action to support Ukraine or engage in diplomatic efforts with the Kremlin.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
