Putin Persists in Ukraine Attack, Confident of Trump's Support

Despite President Trump's offers of concessions, they don't align with Russia's war goals. Nonetheless, President Vladimir V. Putin seems sure he holds the advantage in discussions.

Balancing Act with Aggression

In a delicate balancing act, Putin aggressively seeks leverage in talks with Trump. Moscow remains hopeful for agreements on energy, flight routes, and sanction relief. Upcoming discussions with White House representative Steve Witkoff, planned for the third time this year, mark the Kremlin's expectations.

Despite Trump's urgency for peace in Ukraine, Putin maintains a steadfast stance. Escalating airstrikes on civilian sites underscore Russia’s offensive. Putin candidly acknowledged the targeting of a restaurant, describing it as a response to individuals he deemed in need of severe retribution.

Tense Diplomatic Maneuvering

Engaged in high-stakes diplomacy with Trump, Putin continues to push boundaries as the U.S. president threatens to abandon talks. Yet, the Kremlin remains unruffled after the U.S. response to a major missile attack on Kyiv, marking the deadliest incident in a year.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov conveyed optimism in a CBS News interview, stating, “We’re poised to finalize a deal.” He noted that some specific aspects need refinement and confirmed active efforts to do so.

Continued Assaults and Casualties

Recent overnight aerial assaults by Russia continue relentless. Ukrainian officials reported that a large-scale drone strikes group on an eastern city resulted in fatalities, including a child victim in Pavlohrad.