The threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to halt support for Ukraine and withdraw from peace talks has raised concerns in Kyiv, potentially creating conditions for a bloody summer offensive by Russia that could change the course of the war. Despite Ukraine's leadership continuing to uphold a 30-day ceasefire, many hold no illusions about the imminent end of years of war in the country, according to officials and military sources cited by the Financial Times.
Insiders noted that there was no indication of Russia reducing attacks or making substantive concessions. Recent talks in Turkey have led Kyiv's negotiators to believe that peace remains a distant prospect.
On Thursday, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin announced that his forces were establishing a "security buffer zone" along the Ukrainian border – a term previously used to describe an invasion.
The wavering support from Washington for Kyiv has instead emboldened Russia's leadership. Following a lengthy call with Putin on Monday, the U.S. president informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that both sides should agree on terms for a peace deal.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833127035164683/
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