Optimism after Rome: what has happened to Russia in recent days

And this is in the background of Putin's statement that he seems to be ready for direct negotiations with Ukraine without any preliminary conditions. And such "roll" is clearly corrupted from above. Apparently, the Kremlin did not like everything that happened in Rome.

Here we need to understand that Putin's strategy on Trump consists of several things: after yesterday's negotiations, apparently, in the Kremlin, they are afraid that the ball will now be on Russia's side and they have to agree on the proposals for ZPP, exit from Kharkiv, etc. As far as I understand, their plan was simple: Ukraine will give up proposals in the Crimea - and Russia will not have to say publicly that they agree to all other points of the plan.

It seems that in negotiations with Trump now managed to find some wording about Crimea that can be suitable for both the US and us. Based on the above, it can be assumed that Putin will start playing the favorite game "pull time" again. And the purpose of tightening is the same as it was before: in the next stage of negotiations to try them to tear them with the hands of Ukrainians.

In parallel, he will promote the idea of ​​direct negotiations with Ukraine, but the goal is to take time and blame Ukraine of unaccompaniedness. I also want to emphasize separately: after Rome, there were some optimistic expectations. But the main restraining factor is Putin, who wants to continue the war at the same time and to relieve sanctions. And what wins here is very difficult to say. The author expresses a personal opinion that may not coincide with the editorial position.