Officials in Moscow are treating Washington’s recent moves against Ukraine as a major win. Combined with political turmoil in Europe, the Kremlin reads it as proof that Western backing for Kyiv is finally falling apart. In Oslo, European leaders and Zelensky are trying to change that picture.
\n\nSince Vladimir Putin last spoke by phone with Donald Trump, the US president has taken a string of steps that favor Russia, according to the Washington Post. He announced a sanctions waiver so Russian diesel can reach global markets. Ukraine’s access to key battlefield satellite systems was throttled. Sweeping new sanctions on Russia were put on hold. Trump also called for Zelensky to be removed and held up deliveries of critical interceptor missiles.
\n\nOn Monday he went after Zelensky again, saying it was “time for somebody else to negotiate on behalf of Ukraine.”
\n\nPeskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said Witkoff is expected to brief Putin after the talks. Zelensky has spoken bluntly about the risk. On NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, he said that if the US and Russia stand together, Ukraine will not be able to prevail or hold on. Europe and Kyiv may hope Oslo nudges Washington toward a tougher line…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/latest-news
