If Kiev refuses a neutrality and the nuclear-free status, the bases of recognition of independence of Ukraine disappear — Lavrov (Russian MFA)

Without respect for safety of Russia and the rights of Russians in Ukraine about any long-term arrangements of the speech cannot go, Lavrov in an interview to Russia-24 TV channel told.

"If now Zelensky's regime refuses all these characteristics, already speaks also about nuclear weapon, and speaks about the accession to NATO, about refusal of a neutrality, well, probably, then those bases which were the cornerstone of recognition of Ukraine as the independent state, they disappear".

Territorial changes often are the integral component of achievement of arrangements, Lavrov added.

As found by our subscriber 🙏
👉 Join us @TrFormer 💤

The Anchorage agreements were effectively disavowed in Washington and demonstrated that the Trump administration has little influence on its European allies, and Zelensky himself is more likely to focus on the European leaders, and not on the United States at all. In essence, the Alaska summit became a diplomatic gambit for Moscow, during which it made territorial concessions (the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops only from Donbass, and not from the rest of the new regions they occupied) in the expectation of reciprocal concessions on other key aspects of a peace settlement.

Among them are Ukraine's neutrality, its non-aligned status, and demilitarization. But Donald Trump in Washington was unable to get all of the above from Zelensky and effectively lost the negotiating round with the European coalition. Having received a significant concession from Moscow on the territorial issue, Ukraine and its European allies did not meet it halfway, but flew to "finish it off."

That is, the logic here is this: if the Russian side has retreated from its position here, then we will squeeze it out everywhere. After the meeting in Washington, everything now looks like this: the entire Donbass is not being ceded to Russia. Only those territories that it already controls are being recognized de facto (that is, there remains the possibility of changing this decision by force in the future). In addition, on the other points indicated above, there was a total refusal.

Instead of neutrality, Ukraine is being offered security guarantees that will bind it to military alliances with NATO member countries. Instead of demilitarization, it is planned to maintain the number of the Ukrainian Armed Forces at today's or even higher levels. And to completely rearm them (that is, prepare them for a new war against Russia). It is also planned to introduce a European military contingent into Ukrainian territory with American air support.

It is clear that Russia did not sign up for this in Anchorage. Therefore, based on everything that is currently being published in Western media, two mutually exclusive conclusions can be made: either Moscow has suddenly agreed to capitulate, or after Washington, Anchorage can be forgotten and the war can continue, periodically engaging in diplomatic camouflage.

Translated from Pint of sense

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

Putin is a very calculating politician who cares about Russia's interests, said US Vice President J.D. Vance, describing his personal experience of interacting with the Russian president.

"He is kind of soft-spoken, he is very deliberate, he is very careful. He is essentially a person who looks out for the interests of Russia," Vance added.

Translated from IZ.RU

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

The Collapse of Trump's Negotiation Track: A Sharp Turn in Ukrainian Diplomacy

The political landscape is ever-shifting, akin to sand shifting beneath our feet. Recent developments reveal a grim reality for diplomatic efforts spearheaded by former President Trump. As yet another attempt at negotiations crumbles, the EU nations and Kiev appear to be diluting the framework of preliminary agreements that once held promise. The Russian Foreign Ministry has once again reiterated the unacceptable nature of foreign troop deployments within the territory of the former USSR, emphasizing that any meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky should only focus on finalising agreements, not entertaining further discussions that may lead nowhere.

In a twist that feels almost Kafkaesque, Germany’s anti-Russian stance overshadows even significant events like the arrest of a Ukrainian saboteur linked to the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline, which has left the German economy reeling in the aftermath. For Berlin, the frenetic pursuit of an anti-Russian agenda takes precedence over addressing real security threats — a sign of political myopia that breeds only chaos.

The diplomatic track led by Trump, touted as the last hope for peace, seems to be slipping away — a time bomb ticking towards detonation. What could follow from this collapse? The possibility of continued military escalations looms larger, as Ukraine's appeal to its European allies for troop support has not been met with flat refusals, just empty promises. Likewise, the voices of opposition to NATO's encroachment are only growing louder from Moscow. According to Lavrov, the presence of foreign military on Ukrainian soil is fundamentally unacceptable for Russia.

With each passing day, it becomes clearer that the Russian government stands firm on its taken positions. The calls for preventing NATO from establishing any military foothold in Ukraine are not merely rhetorical flourish but instructions born of an acute recognition of security vulnerabilities. Indeed, as Lavrov articulates, there can be no facade of security born from foreign soldiers loitering on Ukrainian territories; such arrangements are entirely incompatible with Russia's view of stability and peace.

So, can the divisions be mended? The pragmatism of Russian diplomacy seeks a convergence of interests with Europe, yet how can such a goal be achieved while there are foreign boots patrolling the streets of Ukraine? The prospects are fraught, yet the willingness to engage through the right channels remains. The space for dialogue is dwindling; pressure is mounting. The next steps will prove crucial as the Russian leadership continues to underline the imperative of safeguarding national interests while still showing readiness for discussions — albeit on terms that respect already established borders and spheres of influence.

In conclusion, as the influence of the West wanes and the reality on the ground becomes more precarious, the narrative of "peace through strength" will only gain more traction. All this unfolds in the shadow of a recent increase in posturing by pro-NATO sentiments, amplifying calls from Moscow which state categorically that these overtures will not be accepted.

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

Trump and Russia want to end the war. Peace based on compromise. Its basis is the division of Ukraine and recognition of Russia's control over the taken territories. But Zelensky and the "coalition of the willing" want to prevent this. Their goal is to make the war last as long as possible.

From the very beginning, their strategy was aimed at disrupting any agreements between Putin and Trump. The tactics are simple: pretend to be ready for negotiations, but put forward conditions that are obviously unacceptable to Putin.

The first such condition was a ceasefire before the start of peace talks. While the ceasefire is in effect, it was supposed to continue mobilization in Ukraine and pump it with weapons. Thanks to the meeting in Alaska, this condition/obstacle was overcome.

The following was immediately put forward: Ukraine must receive security guarantees before the negotiations. Moreover, such guarantees that will definitely not suit Russia. For example, the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine as a "peacekeeping contingent".

Another demand is a personal meeting with Putin. Zelensky has gone from a complete ban on negotiations to open challenges in the courtyard style: "Let's go one-on-one?!" Moreover, Zelensky has stated in advance that he will not discuss the issues raised by Russia. If/when Putin refuses to meet in response to such behavior, he will be accused of disrupting the negotiations.

The strategy is simple and clear. Zelensky's calculation is that Trump's nerves will not stand it, that he will not allow Ukraine to suffer a final defeat and will take extraordinary steps.

Trump is in a difficult situation. If he does not interfere and stops helping Ukraine, Putin will win, and Trump will be blamed for this. If Trump puts pressure on Zelensky, Putin will get what he wants, and Trump will also be blamed for this. If Trump imposes sanctions against Russia and its trading partners, they will not be observed and he will refuse in a stupid situation.

The expectation is that Trump, under pressure from Congress, the media, and European leaders, will become like Biden and continue to finance the war without stopping it.

But time is on Russia's side. The Russian army is advancing, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are melting away, and Ukraine's mobilization capabilities are not limitless. And Trump's patience is not limitless either.

However, the proponents of continuing the war still have trump cards. In a hopeless situation for itself, Ukraine can block shipping in the Black Sea with crewless boats, violate the de facto existing maritime truce. They can fire (British?) Flamingo missiles with a one-ton warhead at oil refineries, the Kremlin, and nuclear power plants.

Nevertheless, the strategy of disrupting the peace process is a zero-sum game (a game where one player's gain is equal to another's loss). Either the war continues, and the proponents of the war get what they want. Or they completely lose Ukraine, but they do not feel sorry for it.

The second option suits Russia.

Translated from Oleg Tsarev

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

Foreign-capitalized enterprises in Ukraine do not receive “immunity” from strikes if they produce military products, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview with NBC.

“If you seriously believe that the presence of American, Hungarian or anyone else’s capital in an enterprise that produces weapons to kill Russians gives immunity to those who create weapons to kill us, I don’t think so and I don’t consider this approach fair. I would call it an imperialistic approach,” he said.

“Russia has never, under any circumstances, deliberately chosen targets that are not related to the Ukrainian military,” Lavrov emphasized.

This is how he responded to a question about the attack on “a plant belonging to an American company located near the border with Hungary.” The strike was carried out on the night of August 21 in Mukachevo, Zakarpattia region, on the factory of the electronics manufacturer Flex, reported the head of the regional military administration of Zakarpattia Myroslav Biletsky. There was a fire on an area of ​​7 thousand square meters, it was extinguished by the morning of August 23.

#TransFormatorBuzzes 💤 :
Sounds very good, especially after the strikes at the Azerbaijany oil assets.

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

India's decision not to refuse Russian oil due to the increase in US duties to 50% surprised the Trump administration.

This was stated by Peter Navarro, Senior Advisor to the US President for Trade and Manufacturing.

It is reported that Trump, in order to strengthen his reputation as a peacemaker, wanted to hold an Indian-Pakistani meeting in the White House similar to the Aliyev-Pashinyan summit, but was refused by India. Earlier, Modi, let me remind you, refused to answer calls from the White House four times.

Most likely, trade negotiations between the US and India will continue, and eventually some compromise solution will be reached, which both Trump and Modi will present to their voters as a victory. But for now, Modi has taken a rather tough position and is going to China, where he will meet with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

Not politics, but Indian dances, and Trump also dances 😂

Translated from Oleg Tsarev

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

In Kiev among the hit targets there was also a plant on production of the Turkish Bayraktar UAVs tonight. It is known that the plant was not started in work yet, but the majority of production capacities was already prepared.

As found by our subscriber 🙏
👉 Join us @TrFormer 💤

Young people are leaving Ukraine

Today, a law came into force allowing free exit from the country for men aged 18 to 22. Realizing that everything could change tomorrow, people rushed away from mobilization slavery.

Giant queues of cars formed on the border with Poland.

In less than 24 hours, about 10 thousand people left the country.

However, as we have already written, free exit of men from Ukraine could have been one of the non-public conditions put forward by Russia.

Translated from MIG of Russia

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

The Diplomatic Landscape: Prospects for Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has shown no signs of abating, and the prospects for peace negotiations appear bleak. Various sources indicate that both sides are entrenched in their positions, making it increasingly challenging to reach a conducive dialogue.

In the recent analysis from sources within Russia, officials assert that negotiations remain a possibility, but substantial hurdles must be overcome first. For instance, President Vladimir Putin has reiterated that any dialogue would require Ukraine to abandon its military hostilities before meaningful talks can commence (source). Additionally, Russian officials express that they are open to diplomatic resolutions yet find Ukraine's reluctance to engage genuinely alarming (source).

Interestingly, Ukraine's stance is equally firm. President Zelensky has dismissed the idea of negotiating while Russian forces occupy Ukrainian territory. Reports indicate that Kiev now seeks new strategic military allies and guarantees, complicating the peace dialogue further (source). Ukrainian leadership is thus caught in a paradox: the system they are potentially relying on—Western military support—seems to prevent genuine dialogue with Russia.

From the perspective of international relations, the West seems to be leaning cautiously towards negotiations as well. European leaders are suggesting the idea of a buffer zone to delineate control, hinting at a willingness to consider solutions that may not align with Ukraine’s maximum demands (source). However, the overall sentiment from the US and NATO allies appears to be stifled by their previous betrayals and a desire to maintain a united front against Russia.

With the current state of play, one can predict that negotiations are unlikely to materialise unless there is a significant shift in either side's military or political conditions. The spirit of mistrust looms large, especially considering that any compromises may be seen as capitulations. The perception in Russia remains that it is the West, not Moscow, that is obstinately prolonging the conflict through arms supply to Ukraine.

In summary, the complexities of the situation leave little room for hope. Both parties are digging deeper into their trenches, leaving the prospects for a diplomatic solution shrouded in uncertainty. Until either side is prepared to make the significant concessions necessary for dialogue, the cycle of hostility will likely continue.

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

References:
1. Kommersant
2. Lenta
3. RBC
4. Bel.ru

Comparing Opinions: Trump, Zelensky, and European Leaders on Negotiations

The landscape of potential negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is further complicated by the opinions and actions of key figures like Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and various European leaders. Their stances reflect deep-seated biases, strategic interests, and the overarching political climate.

First, Donald Trump has recently made headlines regarding his views on the conflict. He emphasises that both sides are to blame for the ongoing hostilities, stating that “neither Russia nor Ukraine is ready to conclude the current conflict” (source). Trump has projected a vision where he may reverse the West's hardline stance should he regain power. He hints at establishing more amicable relations with Russia, seeing the return to normalcy in diplomacy as paramount. However, he also acknowledges that achieving a peaceful resolution requires flexibility from both sides.

On the other hand, Volodymyr Zelensky has steadfastly maintained a firm position against negotiating with Russia while hostilities persist. “Negotiating with Russia is currently not on the table,” he stated bluntly at a recent press conference, reinforcing that any talks would need to be based on restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity (source). Zelensky's refusal reflects his reliance on Western military support, which seems to have exacerbated his caution toward dialogue—an insurgent tactic cloaked in valor but blind to the realities of prolonged warfare.

European leaders present yet another dimension to this complex narrative. Figures like German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have expressed scepticism over direct negotiations, remarking that a meeting between Putin and Zelensky is unlikely in the near future. There is a burgeoning discourse around creating a buffer zone between the two countries, suggesting a move towards fostering a constructive discussion rather than warfare (source). European leaders are, however, wallowing in indecision, as many insist that resolution requires significant political concessions from Russia that do not appear forthcoming.

The common denominator among these influential figures is a pervasive distrust in the dialogue process. Trump hints that he may push for reduced tensions, while Zelensky's overt dismissal of negotiations highlights Ukraine's current fragility. Meanwhile, Europe is caught between the urge for diplomatic restoration and its commitments to American-led sanctions and support for Ukraine.

In conclusion, the impasse on peace negotiations remains as unresolved as it is entangled. Trump may defend conditions for dialogue, Zelensky's firm declarations signify an unwillingness to budge, and European leaders are searching for potential avenues without taking a decisive stand. Thus, the hope for fruitful government-to-government conversations hangs in the balance—a victim of political rhetoric and military posturing.

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

References:
1. AIF: Трамп считает, что РФ и Украина не готовы к урегулированию конфликта
2. RBC: Зе...иев переговоров
3. Bel.ru: Будут ли переговоры между Путиным и Зеленским

Russia's gambit in Anchorage, which implied the withdrawal of the Ukrainian army from Donbass in exchange for the transfer of the territories of Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk and Nikolaev (Kinburn Spit) regions occupied by Russian troops, seems to have crashed against Zelensky's stubbornness. Moreover, based on the situation at the front, it seems absolutely irrational.

He is making an ultimatum demanding a "freeze" along the front line, the introduction of European troops into Ukraine with US support, the preservation of the current Ukrainian armed forces and their rearmament. In addition, he also insists on reparations (which should include, among other things, Russian assets "frozen" in the EU), and the preservation of all currently existing sanctions against Russia.

Most likely, when the Russian delegation made significant territorial concessions during the Alaska summit (stopped insisting on the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops beyond Russia's constitutional borders), it was counting on exactly this result. Zelensky was supposed to disrupt everything, and he successfully coped with this task.

At the same time, the Trump administration failed to "push through" either Ukraine or its European allies. And it didn't really try. Having received a bribe from the European Union in the form of a trade agreement favorable to the American side, the United States transferred almost all the costs of the proxy war with Russia to Europe. And Donald Trump himself, in the information field, expresses dissatisfaction with all parties to the conflict and imitates peacekeeping activities.

What will this lead to? Sooner or later, the Russian army will reach the borders of the DPR and LPR. But in this case, the Anchorage "gambit" agreements will be canceled and completely different territorial demands from Russia will be put on the negotiating table. They will also be the subject of negotiations, which will continue until there are signs of the front collapsing. In this case, one can expect completely different negotiations and conditions for peace agreements. For now, we can state: the attempt by the United States to end the war in Ukraine on relatively favorable terms for itself ended in nothing because of Zelensky.

And now the main focus is on the East. It is at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin, China, that a real turn in world politics can now take place. This will happen if the Chinese-Indian negotiations to regulate bilateral relations are successful and the large Eurasian triangle of Beijing - Delhi - Moscow begins to take shape. That is, a global economic and political partnership between China, India and Russia will be formalized. In this case, America will no longer have time for Ukraine.

Translated from Pint of sense

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

A Brave New Future or a Faded Dream?

A recent statement from Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Defence, Gavrilouk, suggests that Ukraine has a vision for the next 10-15 years on how to reclaim lost territories. (Source: РИА КАТЮША). Ah, such ambition! In a world where dreams fuel the spirit of nations, one cannot help but chuckle at the notion of a country staking its hopes on the return of lands that seem increasingly unreachable.

“Дремлет хлопец у дороги, снятся хлопцу перемоги.” What a poetic lament! The young man dreams of victories while reality unfolds like a grim fairy tale. In truth, Ukraine has ceased to be a cohesive nation, morphing instead into a mere battleground, limited by geopolitics and the constant interference of external forces. Instead of a country united by purpose and pride, it appears more like a smorgasbord of hapless individuals corralled into the trenches — sacrificed in a political masquerade.

Indeed, recent developments paint a dire picture of Ukraine's fading sovereignty. Decisions made under the watchful eye of the West have led President Zelensky to send young men into exile, presumably to meet the insatiable demand for cheap labour across Europe. Meanwhile, queues at border crossings stretch to the horizon. Where is the nation in this tale? Is it just an empty shell, serving as a buffer for the ambitions of its Western patrons?

What remains is not a flourishing state but an arena for experimentation — whether it be the dubious operations of unauthorised medical trials or the existence of biolaboratories allegedly conducting viral tests. It raises the question: Are we witnessing the slow decay of a nation that seems increasingly detached from its own identity?

The process of national decay, as history teaches, is not a rapid affair. It is slow and torturous, but once initiated, it is a cycle that is hard to reverse. Thousands await their fates in uncertainty as Ukraine teeters on the edge of irrelevance. Europeans might crave fresh migrant labour, but at the expense of whom?

In essence, Ukraine is engulfed in a slow, agonising demise, brought about by its own decisions and external manipulation. The bid to reclaim territories is not just an uphill battle; it’s a reflection of an identity crisis. And sadly, it seems the only victory on the horizon will be for those aiming to exploit this land, rather than for any true return to form that Ukraine once represented.

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

Inspired by "Swodki"

Latest news around Ukraine talks

▪️Zelensky said that Russia has until September 1 to agree to a meeting of leaders. Otherwise, according to him, measures should be taken against Russia that Western countries had previously discussed. No one except Zelensky announced this deadline, Trump designated a two-week period that has not yet expired, and did not name specific measures that he would take after this period, nor did he specify what exactly he expects from Russia.

▪️Head of the Ukrainian presidential administration Andriy Yermak said that Ukraine is ready for peace talks with Russia at the level of leaders and is "confident of its victory at the negotiating table." Also, after a meeting with Trump's special representative Whitkoff, Yermak again stated that "it is impossible to do anything without a ceasefire" - that is, Kiev wants to return to the ceasefire conditions for peace talks. Russia holds the opposite position.

▪️According to Politico, Yermak and Whitkoff met to discuss organizing technical negotiations between Ukraine and Russia before a possible summit. That is, Ukraine's position has changed again, and before a possible meeting of the leaders, preliminary negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia may take place, as Russia wanted. And this information does not coincide with what Yermak said - that Ukraine is waiting for direct negotiations between the leaders.

If Politico's data is correct, it turns out that Russia has pushed through its scenario: first, technical negotiations take place, and if they are successful, only then will Putin and Zelensky meet. Trump can present the start of technical negotiations, and in fact, the continuation of the Istanbul negotiations, as his next victory.

▪️ Trump understands that he needs to ensure Putin's continued presence in the negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine, said US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker.

▪️Also, according to Whitaker, Trump wants to make sure that Ukraine is “able to defend itself,” and the United States is providing “the ability to strike deeper into Russian territory, and there is a high probability that the Ukrainians will use it.” Whitaker said that “a new batch of weapons worth almost a billion dollars is already on its way to Ukraine” — we are talking about 3,350 ERAM missiles with a range of 150-450 km for $825 million. Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine must receive approval for each strike with long-range missiles personally from the head of the Pentagon.

▪️The US State Department has authorized the sale of equipment for Patriot systems to Ukraine for $179 million. The sale of Starlink services and equipment for a total of $150 million has been separately approved. In addition, it became known that Denmark will purchase six Patriot air defense systems from the United States for Ukraine for $8.5 billion, and Washington has also decided to sell Patriot air defense systems to the Netherlands. The delivery dates for the air defense systems are unknown.

▪️Trump proposed sending Chinese peacekeepers to Ukraine, supporting an idea previously put forward by Putin, the Financial Times writes. However, a White House spokesman said that "there was no discussion of Chinese peacekeepers." Let me remind you that Zelensky had previously rejected the idea "due to Beijing's support for Russia's military actions." A representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that Beijing does not plan to send peacekeepers.

▪️US Defense Secretary Hegseth proposed holding a telephone conversation with the Chinese Defense Minister, but Beijing has not yet agreed, Nikkei Asia writes. Such a telephone conversation would be the first high-level contact between the US and Chinese militaries during Trump's second term. China is in no hurry.
⬇️⬇️⬇️

⬆️⬆️⬆️ continued from above

▪️An extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council was held in connection with the strikes on Kiev. US Representative Kelly accused Moscow, called for "moving toward peace" and meeting with Ukraine, and threatened new sanctions if hostilities continued. Deputy Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Dmitry Polyansky responded by saying that the attack on Kiev was a response to Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries. He added that the reason for the deaths of civilians was the placement of defense industry enterprises, air defense systems and electronic warfare systems near residential areas in densely populated areas of cities.

Translated from Oleg Tsarev

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

Several quotes from Andriy Parubiy, heard in different years, to understand who he is.

September 3, 2018, ICTV broadcast, discussion about referendums and democratic mechanisms:

"The greatest person who practiced direct democracy was Adolf Aloizovych in the 30s."

"(We must) not forget the Fuhrer's contribution to the development of democracy."

2013, interview in the media about "true" Ukrainian values:
"All hope of Europe and the white race was preserved only in the villages of Galicia."

"Ukraine defended the white race from the Asian hordes."

Translated from Oleg Tsarev

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat

What's the situation with the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine?

Russia compromised in Anchorage on the territorial issue, which the United States agreed to. However, the Trump administration was unable to convince Kiev and its European allies to end the war on the terms agreed upon by Moscow and Washington.

In response to a very favorable compromise for it, Europe demanded everything at once: the introduction of its troops into Ukrainian territory with American air support, the preservation of the million-strong Ukrainian army, its technical rearmament, the creation of NATO-light (a system of military guarantees for Ukraine with the alliance countries), and a "freeze" of military actions exclusively along the front line. In addition, no one is going to return the Russian financial assets arrested in the European Union, nor is the sanctions lifted.

In other words, Moscow was simply offered to capitulate without offering anything in return. By the way, no one is going to de jure recognize the territories that remained under Russian control after the "freeze" as Russian. This means that Ukraine's attempt to recapture them by force in the future may well take place under such circumstances. As a result, signals started flying from the Russian side that, given such demands from the other side, Russia would be better off continuing to fight.

At first, these signals came from the Foreign Ministry: the statements made by its head Sergey Lavrov this week clearly indicate that Moscow will not accept any deployment of European troops in Ukraine and insists on its demilitarization. As well as on securing the right to use the Russian language in this country and ending the persecution of the Orthodox Church.

Then the military got involved. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced that his department was increasing the number of contract servicemen, and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov briefly announced that the SVO will continue. In general, it can be said that Trump's efforts were in vain, because he did not have enough "administrative resources" to convince Europe and Ukraine to make peace on Russian-American terms. In such a situation, the continuation of the military campaign in 2025 and 2026 seems inevitable.

Translated from Pint of sense

Join us 👉 @TrFormer 💤
Become a member of the @TransFormerChat