Three years after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, his troops are making steady progress on the battlefield. Kyiv is facing shortages of men and weapons, while the new U.S. president could potentially halt Ukraine's military aid. Experts from Russia and the West believe that Putin is closer than ever to achieving his objectives in Ukraine, with little motivation to engage in negotiations, regardless of any pressure from the U.S. President.
Both leaders have engaged in discussions on Ukraine, using a mix of flattery and threats. Putin has praised Trump as 'clever and pragmatic,' while Trump has threatened Russia with tariffs and oil price cuts. Despite Trump's campaign promises to swiftly end the war, the reality is more complex, with ongoing talks between the U.S. and Russia without direct input from Kyiv.
