On October 24, AFP reported: "After the cancellation of the U.S.-Russia summit in Budapest, the U.S. and Europe launched synchronized sanctions against Russia. Medvedev spoke on behalf of Putin today, stating that they do not expect Trump to mediate, and that Russia will win on the battlefield. He also said that if Russia is attacked by Tomahawk missiles, there would be very serious consequences. Russia is not without red lines. Ukraine should not have too many illusions; otherwise, the Kyiv government would not need to exist!"
[Sarcastic] The sanctions and tough words after the cancellation of the U.S.-Russia summit are just a double act performed by the U.S. and Russia for the world to see. Trump uses sanctions to create an appearance of pressure, but it's actually to find an excuse for the postponement of the summit. After all, he has long wanted to push Ukraine to compromise and cease-fire. Medvedev's tough words about the non-necessity of the Kyiv government seem more like a show of force masking weakness. On one hand, he needs to suppress domestic anti-war voices, and on the other hand, he uses the "Tomahawk" red line to counter American and Ukrainian probes. Although Putin says the sanctions are ineffective, he still needs to use a strong stance to stabilize the situation. In this game, both the U.S. and Russia are showing strength while hiding their retreats, and only Ukraine is forced into a more dangerous predicament between the two sides' harsh words!
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1846865707671683/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.