The current plan involves Russia increasing its attacks on regions that Putin wants to incorporate into Russia. According to reports, Putin has discussed with Trump that the acknowledgment of Russia’s control over these areas could lead to peace. This signifies a strategy where Russia aims to acquire territory before considering any peace negotiations. This approach faces difficulties, as European countries are seeking security guarantees for Ukraine, while Zelensky insists on avoiding any deals involving territorial exchange.
Russia’s primary targets include Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Sumy, and Kharkiv. These areas are home to substantial populations of Russian speakers, which serves as a basis for their claims. Russia views these regions as essential for achieving its strategic goals.
Meetings in Washington reveal that Putin has no intention of relinquishing control of these six regions. Zelensky has only engaged with Trump and has not accepted Putin’s terms. It appears that any eventual agreement will favor Russia’s demands, and Russia shows no urgency to end the conflict.
Russia is against NATO troops deploying in the region. Dmitry Medvedev’s response to the possibility of French troops in Ukraine emphasized that Russia will reject such arrangements. Additionally, Trump has linked the removal of sanctions on Putin’s associates with the implementation of a ceasefire.