The conflict in Ukraine is expected to continue for an extended period, with diplomatic efforts such as US envoy Steve Witkoff’s peace summits with Vladimir Putin being viewed as mere theatrics. Each meeting, including those involving Trump and Putin, serves as a platform for Putin to assert his dominance, reject Western influence, and showcase strength.
The Kremlin was always likely to dismiss any new peace proposals, as they fall short of Putin’s original demands. President Donald Trump’s 28-point peace plan aligned too closely with Kremlin expectations, making it challenging to present revised terms.
Putin seems unwilling to compromise and is unlikely to deviate from his wartime objectives, as abandoning the conflict could jeopardize his support among extreme nationalists. As a result, Ukrainians are enduring harsh conditions as their energy infrastructure suffers from Russian attacks, leaving many without essential resources in freezing temperatures.
Despite Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Putin’s military operations, the Russian leader is ensuring a steady flow of supplies to sustain the war effort. Putin’s reluctance to end the conflict indicates his strategy to use the ongoing war to gain leverage with the White House.
The failure to reach a peace agreement is undermining the credibility of the Trump administration while having minimal impact on Putin’s stance. There is a growing possibility that Trump may withdraw support for Ukraine, forcing Kyiv to take drastic measures against Russian forces.
The escalating tensions could lead to a direct confrontation between the West and Russia, potentially prompting NATO to confront Putin’s aggressive tactics. The alliance may need to demonstrate readiness for conflict and challenge Russia’s covert operations.
It is crucial for Western leaders to consider how to handle Putin’s aggressive actions and whether to confront Russia’s provocations. The situation may push NATO to prepare for potential conflicts and stand firm against Russian aggression.
Unless Trump takes a firm stance against Russia and disengages from Putin, the risk of escalating tensions and direct conflict remains high. Demonstrating resolve against Russian aggression may be necessary to prevent further destabilization in the region.