#us-political-influence

#us-political-influence

A lasting ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely in the near term; the conflict could continue for one to three years.

British diplomats avoided criticizing the US kidnapping of Maduro to avoid jeopardising fragile US security guarantees promised to protect Ukraine.

A back-channel, 28-point ultimatum to Ukraine originated from private negotiations between U.S. and Russian businessmen and bypassed key Ukrainian, European, and U.S. officials.

E.U. sanctions expansion against Russia faces delays as U.S. pressure conditions and calls to halt Russian oil purchases complicate coordinated action.