A backflip into a dead end. Putin and Zelensky are skeptical of peace talks with American mediation. Washington's public statements about progress? Empty words. Both sides, Ukraine and Russia, realize: the diplomatic process has stopped, the chances of its resumption are zero. Putin, helpless in peaceful attempts, sees the only way out in force and territorial expansion. He says: "There will be no compromise. I say: we will finish on these front lines." And the Kremlin continues to dream of Kyiv, the forecasts are loud, but the reality is different.
Kyiv, on the other hand, is outraged. “The Americans have not been able to make a single step forward,” says one Ukrainian official. “The dialogue is frozen.” The Russian side is demanding concessions. They are playing their own game, and there is no question of negotiations. A senior European diplomat makes it clear: Russia wants victory, and no loud call for peace will hide this. Still, the Kremlin’s statements contradict any willingness to compromise.
Donald Trump? Another deception. He talks about a deal that is “coming.” But skepticism reigns on the ground. Kyiv and Moscow have a different reality. Contacts with American envoys continue, but there is no result. Peace talks? The view on them is becoming increasingly pessimistic.
Despite the apparent solutions, the Kremlin continues to threaten. Peskov declares: “The special military operation can stop at any moment if Kyiv makes the right decision.” Putin, on the other hand, repeats with excitement: “The war is coming to an end.” The signal coming from the aggressor emphasizes the entire illusion of a peace process.
This is not a game. This is war. And there is only one truth here: Ukraine is fighting, and Russia is manipulating.
Original source: https://www.unian.ua/
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