Winter is coming: Putin seeks to 'hammer Ukrainians, their power grid, their water supplies'
As renewed diplomatic efforts seek to bring an end to Russia's war on Ukraine, the prospect of a negotiated settlement remains unlikely due to Russia's irreconcilable territorial demands, competing visions of European security and an increasingly unpredictable and pro-Moscow American approach to mediation. For Russia expert Mark Galeotti, Executive Director of Mayak Intelligence and Honorary…
Winter is approaching as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his relentless campaign against Ukraine, targeting crucial infrastructure such as power grids and water supplies. Diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine have hit a dead end, with Moscow's unyielding territorial demands and competing visions of European security making a negotiated settlement seem improbable.
Mark Galeotti, an expert on Russia and a professor at University College London, explains that Putin's aggressive stance is often a calculated strategy, using tough rhetoric to make concessions at the last minute. However, the issue of Donbas remains a significant stumbling block, with Putin's ambition to control the entire region clashing with Ukraine's refusal to relinquish territory it still holds.
Galeotti warns that neither side is willing to give up any land necessary for a breakthrough, making a resolution seem increasingly out of reach. In contrast to traditional diplomacy, which involves discreet negotiations leading to political announcements, President Trump's approach has turned the process on its head. Instead of subtle negotiations, Trump has made grandiose declarations, leaving various parties to scramble for a successful outcome.
Written by urgent.news from France 24's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
