**US Pressure on Russia Eases as Ukraine War Falters**
As the Russian military’s advantage in Ukraine begins to wane, former President Donald Trump is backing off from applying pressure on Moscow. According to a Washington Post report, US and European officials believe that Russia’s capacity to sustain its offensive may decline further by next year.
Despite this, Trump has shifted his focus from sanctions to trade talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since taking office in January, Trump has advocated for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, citing the need to end the ongoing war. However, while Washington continues to pressure Ukraine to consider concessions, it has avoided applying comparable pressure on Russia.
**Russia’s War Costs Rise**
Experts say that now may be the perfect moment to pressure Russia into ending the war, given its rising costs and slowing advances. A recent Defense Intelligence Agency assessment revealed that Moscow’s gains come with high losses – at least 10,000 ground combat vehicles, over 3,000 tanks, 250 aircraft, and more than 10 naval vessels since 2022.
Over the past year, Russia gained only 0.6% more Ukrainian territory, suffering an estimated 1,500 casualties per day. Total Russian casualties may now exceed one million. “Russia is very gradually taking bits of territory still, but at an unsustainably high cost,” said Richard Barrons, former head of Britain’s Joint Forces Command.
**Trump’s Softening Stance**
Following his call with Putin, Trump made no mention of sanctions or aid in public. A source familiar with exchanges said Trump told European leaders that Putin does not appear ready to halt the war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration’s approach, noting that Ukraine still receives support, though the White House hasn’t requested new funding.
**Senate Introduces New Sanctions Bill**
Meanwhile, a bipartisan Senate group led by Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation proposing new sanctions if Russia avoids meaningful negotiation. The bill includes a 500% US tariff on imports from nations buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium.
**Russia’s Confidence**
European officials noted that Putin’s confidence may be based on flawed internal reports, which suggest that he believes he has “all the cards.” However, experts say that Russia lacks the strength to seize full control of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – regions it claimed to have annexed in 2022.
**What’s Next?**
As the war continues, experts expect intensified Russian assaults this summer. Even with gains, Russia may struggle to sustain its offensive. “Russia is actually culminating in its ability to conduct an offense,” Barrons said.
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