Putin has Trump in his hand. The US President was so overwhelmed that he practically fulfills all Moscow's demands. During the summit in Alaska this Friday, Vladimir Putin will be able to announce a victory over Ukraine.
It is true that the Ukrainian president Wołodymyr Zelnski is to be invited to the top. However, it is already known that he will be only a statistics. In terms of territorial division, he will not get anything more than crumbs.
Of course, the main purpose of negotiations will be to end the bloodshed. However, the price for Ukrainians is high. Putin wants to connect to Russia not only the Crimea, annexed in 2014, but also the territories of Eastern and Southern Ukraine occupied since 2022 and the areas in the Lugansk and Donetsk circuits. In addition, the Russian president demands that Ukraine resign from NATO membership.
On the other hand, the question arises what Putin offers Ukraine in addition to suspending weapons. The discussion only concerns the withdrawal from individual areas in the northeast of the country, specifically from the part of the Kharkiv and Sumski Districts, which would allegedly be an alleged “gesture of good will.”
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However, it is only about limited areas with individual villages. For comparison: the Russians occupy about 120,000 km sq. – that is, one fifth territory of Ukraine – and they would only return several dozen kilometers.
It is understood that Zelanski does not agree to such an agreement negotiated above his head. He receives support from European allies. In a joint statement, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Great Britain, Finland and the European Commission are demanding that the Russians to withdraw soldiers first before the discussion about the peace solution begins.
However, the influence of European allies, who are partly divided and, as is currently the case, is constantly creating new alliances, is relatively small. Ukraine is primarily helped by the supply of weapons and intelligence information from the United States. If they stop flowing, Kyiv will be in trouble.
The Kremlin wants more
If Trump and Putin conclude an agreement, Ukraine will remain nothing but give way. It would be a suspension of weapons, which, however, would not mean the end of the war.
The American Think Tank Institute of War Studies warns that the dedication of Russia territories that are not yet occupied would ensure its strategic advantage. Ukraine, and many European countries are afraid that After a moment of respite, Putin may break the ceasefire and, thanks to the concessions obtained, will conquer subsequent territories more effectively.
Diego Herrera Carcedo / Anadol Via Getty Images / Contributor / Getty Images
Ukrainian soldier on the front (illustrative photos)
According to many experts, Russia's goal is to restore the former power of the Soviet Union. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha warns against “gifts” for the aggressor. “Each concession will lead to further aggression,” said Sybiha.
As soon as Putin is able to officially recognize Ukraine's territories as Russian, he will probably quickly find an excuse for the new “special military operation” [tak Rosjanie nazywają inwazję na Ukrainę]. One of them is obvious –Requests of reparations for the destruction in allegedly “his” new territory.
The World Bank estimates the cost of rebuilding the war of Ukraine for over half a trillion dol. (approx. PLN 1 trill of PLN 911 billion, counting at the current exchange rate). If Putin takes over some of the devastated regions, he can demand money for their reconstruction. This is of course only a smokescreen. Because neither Ukraine nor other countries will want to pay, Putin may try to justify the use of strength.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
