Putin is still waiting for Europe’s winter
A new wave of comments from Western officials about the Ukraine crisis and providing a backdrop for inviting Russia to negotiate while respecting all Ukrainian demands has emerged. Specifically, the talks between Macron and Biden in the United States, and what should clearly be seen as Macron’s effort to bring the discourse of Western allies towards facilitating dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, were evident in Biden’s statements.
The German Chancellor also emphasized on Friday the efforts to persuade Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and create a basis for a ceasefire, and Olaf Scholz’s remarks were notable following his successful trip to China.
However, the Kremlin has officially rejected the idea of negotiating with Ukraine based on Zelensky’s and the Ukrainians’ demands and Biden’s ideas altogether, and has emphasized the continuation of its military operations in Ukraine. Russia is openly waiting for the serious impact of the energy crisis on Europe’s economy and the backing down of Western allies.