Wednesday Briefing
Briefly

During a recent call with Trump, Putin conditioned a halt to energy strikes on a reciprocal agreement but rejected a broad cease-fire. Zelensky expressed willingness to suspend attacks but insisted it must not allow Russia to exploit the situation. This highlights an ongoing negotiation whereby ending Western aid could leave Ukraine vulnerable, potentially diminishing its defense strength amid Russian aggression. The U.S. seeks to access Ukrainian minerals, complicating the situation further as both nations navigate this fraught landscape.
Putin stated that a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure could be accepted if both sides honored the agreement, yet he dismissed a broader cease-fire.
Zelensky emphasized a balanced approach, insisting that any suspension of attacks cannot leave Ukraine defenseless against Russian actions.
The Kremlin's stance highlights the importance of Western military support for Ukraine, with Putin suggesting that ending this support would leave Ukraine vulnerable.
A pause on attacks would potentially benefit both countries, addressing Ukraine's struggling power grid and Russia's attacked oil revenue.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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