Informed the U.S. President about Putin's feigned bravado
In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on international partners to impose additional sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy stated that sanctions are helpful in hitting the Russian military economy, but there is mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness in hindering Vladimir Putin's territorial ambitions in Ukraine.
According to Zelenskyy, Putin is bluffing and trying to put pressure on all fronts before the upcoming Alaska summit. However, Putin appears determined to pursue his war goals in Ukraine, seeking to fully occupy the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson before negotiating peace. This indicates no sign of bluffing on territorial ambitions.
Kremlin sources report that Putin remains convinced that Russia is winning, and he is skeptical that additional sanctions will significantly impact Russia. Moscow dismisses U.S. threats of punitive tariffs and sanctions as bluster aimed at pressuring Russia, displaying a firm stance rather than weakness.
Russia has a certain advantage in armaments, but this advantage is negated by heavy losses. According to Zelenskyy, Russia has three times more losses. Despite these losses, Putin’s government continues its war efforts without signs of retreat.
Zelenskyy's position emphasizes the need for continued pressure for peace. He dismissed the claim that sanctions are not harming the Russian economy, stating that further pressure through sanctions can stop Putin's war.
Putin is trying to create an impression that he is capable of occupying the whole of Ukraine, but the evidence shows his resolve rather than retreat or bluffing. The effectiveness of sanctions continues to be a complex and contested matter.
In summary, Putin is not clearly bluffing about territorial aims; he remains committed to occupying key Ukrainian regions. Western sanctions are causing economic pressure but have not yet compelled Putin to change strategy. Zelenskyy's calls for additional sanctions reflect Ukraine’s effort to counter Russian narratives and sustain external support.
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