The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and how US President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Putin has not resulted in a positive outcome. Instead, it seems that Putin is using this opportunity to further his goals for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Key points from the article:
* Putin sees Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence, and believes that he can use this to his advantage.
* The Kremlin official said that Putin didn’t go out of his way to humiliate Trump, but didn’t handle it wisely either.
* Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian cities, despite talks between Trump and Putin.
* Trump has announced that the US will impose “severe tariffs” on Russia unless it agrees to a deal on ending the war in Ukraine within 50 days.
* The US is supplying Ukraine with new weapons, including Patriot air defense systems.
* Belarus threatens to shift its Zapad-2025 military drills closer to NATO border due to increasing military activity by Poland and Lithuania.
Some quotes from the article:
* “Putin didn’t go out of his way to humiliate Trump — but he certainly didn’t handle it wisely.” – A former high-ranking Kremlin official
* “A lot can happen in 50 days — and Putin knows that. He sees Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence… Moscow will keep making overtures toward Washington. They don’t see this rift as irreversible.” – A source within Russia’s foreign policy establishment
* “In Moscow, there had been hope and anticipation of forging a strong relationship with Trump… But the baseline expectation in Russia has always been tougher U.S. sanctions and a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine.” – Independent Russian political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya
Overall, the article suggests that Putin is using this opportunity to further his goals for Russia’s war against Ukraine, and that Trump’s ultimatum has not resulted in a positive outcome.
