Vladimir Putin is determined to achieve his ultimate goal, which is to subjugate Ukraine, whatever the cost, writes FT.
The way in which Russian authorities have seized territories in the east, methodically erasing any signs of national identity and cultural heritage, shows the depth of Putin's commitment to denying the existence of Ukraine as a nation.
“Putin is feeding us a lot of nonsense“, the US president warned on Tuesday, frustrated by the lack of progress in efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian leader's response came loud and clear. Within hours, Moscow launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine. Trump, who boasted before his re-election that he could end the war in Ukraine in 24 hours, must now consider the prospect of a long conflict.
Unfazed by his pressure, Putin is determined to achieve his ultimate goal, which is to subjugate Ukraine, whatever the cost. For their part, the Ukrainians have still shown remarkable resilience and unwavering determination to resist Russian domination. This full-scale war, now in its fourth year, has become existential for both sides.
The Russian leader sent a clear message: Western powers must eliminate the "root causes" of the conflict. In his view, that would mean returning NATO's borders to their 1997 levels. and Ukraine’s denial of any form of sovereignty. So much for the spirit of compromise.
Despite the staggering Russian casualty toll, which Western sources estimate at 1 million killed and wounded, Putin believes his superiority on the battlefield is growing. It is unthinkable for him not to win this war. He has built his country’s economy and his own legitimacy around it.
For Ukrainians, defeat would simply mean the end of Ukraine.
European leaders are now wondering what Trump will do. Will he push through a new package of sanctions that could further weaken the Russian economy? Confused by the controversy, many in Europe suspect that Trump may lose interest in Ukraine and turn to issues closer to his heart, as he did with North Korea during his first term. Then it will be up to Europeans to help Ukraine repel the Russian aggressor themselves. Defeat cannot be an option for them either.