US-Russia negotiations have reached an impasse: Putin insists on control over Donbas

Negotiations between the US and Russia

The negotiations between the US and Russia have made no progress as the Kremlin has rejected compromise proposals. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to insist on transferring control over the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, which has frustrated NATO leadership. The alliance has lost faith in Moscow's promises as the situation in eastern Ukraine remains tense.

Response of the European Union

In response to Russia's actions, the European Union announced a complete abandonment of Russian gas by 2027. Since the beginning of the war, Russia has received about 108 billion euros from the EU for gas, indicating significant European countries' dependence on Russian energy resources. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to meet with former US President Donald Trump to strengthen sanctions against Russia, although a corruption scandal in Ukraine has weakened his position.

Domestic challenges, including corruption scandals, complicate Kyiv's efforts to influence the White House. Belgium, in turn, retains the majority of frozen Russian assets, which could serve as an additional tool for pressuring the Kremlin. As expert Margus Tsahkna noted,

"it is quite clear that he does not want any peace"

- highlighting the complexity of the situation and the lack of real progress in negotiations.

The situation surrounding the Ukrainian-Russian conflict remains critical, and the lack of progress in negotiations between the US and Russia complicates the possibility of achieving peace. At the same time, the EU's strict measures regarding Russian gas indicate Europe's desire to reduce energy dependence on Russia, which could have a significant impact on the Kremlin's economy. Internal problems in Ukraine, including corruption scandals, may also affect the country's ability to gain international support in the fight against Russian aggression.