**US Arms Shipments to Ukraine: What It Means for Russia**
On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He revealed that the United States will send new arms shipments to Ukraine, paid for by European governments. This move is a direct challenge to Russian interests and comes with a warning from President Trump: if Moscow doesn’t back down, it can expect more severe sanctions.
**Russia’s Reaction: A Mixed Bag**
Despite the tough talk from Washington, Russia’s stock exchange surprisingly rose 2.7% in response to the news. This might seem counterintuitive, but experts suggest that Moscow was already bracing for even tougher sanctions from President Trump. The Kremlin had been anticipating a more severe crackdown and appears to have prepared for it.
**A Frustrating Experience**
The announcement marks a shift towards a tougher approach to Russia, reflecting President Trump’s growing frustration with Vladimir Putin’s reluctance to sign a peace deal. Since his return to the White House in January, ending Russia’s war in Ukraine has been one of President Trump’s top foreign policy priorities.
**The “Yes, but…” Approach**
For months, Moscow responded to President Trump’s proposals with a familiar phrase: “Yes, but…”. The Kremlin agreed that there should be a comprehensive ceasefire, but only if Western military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv were stopped. It also insisted on resolving the “root causes” of the war, which it views as external threats to Russia’s security – from Ukraine, Nato, and the collective West.
**A Long-Running Conflict**
It’s essential to remember that this conflict began when Moscow launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The largest land war in Europe since World War Two has been raging ever since. Despite the US efforts to negotiate a peace deal, Russia’s continued aggression has left many wondering if it’s truly interested in finding a resolution.
**A Changing Dynamic**
The Russian president appears to be playing for time, and President Trump’s carrot-and-stick approach hasn’t yielded the desired results. Monday’s announcement suggests that Washington is now willing to take a firmer stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether Moscow will continue to resist or eventually come around to finding a more constructive solution.
Read More @ www.bbc.com
