Russia Escalates Ukraine Conflict as Trump-Mediated Ceasefire Breaks Down

Continued attacks on energy infrastructure and stalled negotiations highlight Kremlin's refusal to commit to peace.

Kirill Dmitriev, Putin’s envoy, visited the U.S. to promote economic cooperation while downplaying Russia's demands for sanctions relief, contradicting the Kremlin's official stance.
The partial ceasefire brokered by the Trump administration has failed, with ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and accusations of violations by both sides.
Russia remains unwilling to agree to a general ceasefire, maintaining maximalist demands for territorial control and sanctions relief before engaging in broader peace talks.
Analysts criticize the Trump administration’s approach to negotiations, which they argue favors Russia by offering incentives while pressuring Ukraine for concessions.
Observers warn that Russia is using ceasefire talks as a strategic tool to advance its military and diplomatic goals, a tactic consistent with its historical negotiation patterns.