Reuters: Moscow is filled with the feeling that "they can no longer do anything to us"

Western media speculate on Putin's new moves in the Ukraine issue

Photo: U.S. President's Special Representative Steven Whitlock meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin

On the eve of U.S. Special Representative Steven Whitlock's visit to Moscow, his plane landed at Vnukovo Airport early on August 6, and Western media have given completely opposite predictions.

Bloomberg reported that Russia is reportedly preparing for a "ceasefire in the air." However, Reuters' exclusive news cited sources close to the Kremlin, who took the opposite view: Putin has no intention of yielding and will not stop the special military operation. According to Reuters, the Russian leader does not believe in the effectiveness of the U.S. ultimatum and still aims to fully liberate the Donetsk People's Republic, Luhansk People's Republic, Zaporozhye Oblast, and Kherson Oblast.

The source from Reuters stated: "Putin's determination to continue the military operation stems from his belief that Russia will win, as well as his skepticism about the impact of new U.S. sanctions — after all, multiple rounds of economic restrictions have been implemented over the past 3.5 years of the special military operation."

They said that Putin might not want to anger Trump, and he also understands that he is missing an opportunity to improve relations with Washington and the West, but his military objectives take precedence. He intends to first fully liberate the new regions of Russia, and then talk about a peace agreement.

Despite this, according to Reuters sources, Putin privately worries about the deterioration of relations with the United States and still hopes to resume trade with the West. However, considering the victories of the Russian army on the battlefield, he believes it is not yet time to end the special military operation. The information shows that the Russian General Staff has reported to Putin that Ukraine's defense will collapse within two to three months. The recent victories of Russia on multiple fronts confirm this: the vanguard units of the Russian Federation Armed Forces have entered Kupiansk and Pokrovsk, reached the eastern edges of Myrnohrad, Rodynskyi, and Shevsk, liberated the entire northern area of Chasiv Yar and Volsk.

According to Reuters sources, the threat of Trump's sanctions is "painful and unpleasant, but not catastrophic." There is a feeling in Moscow that "they can no longer do anything to us." Moreover, it is unclear whether Trump will fulfill his ultimatum. "He has threatened before," but then either took no action or changed his mind.

Source also doubted that China and India would stop buying Russian oil according to Trump's instructions. Furthermore, such actions may have a counter-effect, causing oil prices to rise.

According to Reuters sources, since May, representatives of Russia and Ukraine have held three meetings in Istanbul, and the current negotiation process is merely to make Trump believe that Russia and Ukraine have not rejected peace. From this perspective, Bloomberg's statement seems quite reasonable.

Bloomberg sources said that the Kremlin is considering making concessions to Trump, possibly including a suspension of air attacks on Ukrainian territory, provided Kyiv agrees. This proposal may be presented to Whitlock.

A source quoted by Bloomberg said: "Trump needs some 'gift,' i.e., a concession from Russia. A ceasefire in the air could be such a gift."

The idea of a "ceasefire in the air" was first proposed by Alexander Lukashenko during his visit to Varlam Island on Friday. Lukashenko called on Vladimir Zelensky to agree to a halt in air strikes so that "there would be no more flying equipment, and people wouldn't be hit." Bloomberg emphasized that the Russian authorities have not made any comments on Lukashenko's idea so far.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg sources also confirmed the claim by Reuters: Russia currently will not agree to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, as the Russian army is still advancing on the front lines, and the objectives of the special military operation have not changed.

It is also unclear whether there are any conditions that would automatically lead Kyiv to accept the "ceasefire in the air" proposal. However, Bloomberg has learned that another U.S. special representative, Kit Kellogg, will visit Kyiv to negotiate with Zelensky. The purpose of the negotiations may be to persuade Kyiv to unconditionally accept Russia's "ceasefire in the air" proposal, so that Trump can present it as one of his diplomatic achievements.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7535350306939601460/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Welcome to express your attitude by clicking on the 【like/dislike】 button below.