Russia’s current tactic: hold out until year’s end

The fact that Witkoff is flying to Russia looks like a last-ditch effort to jump on a train that’s already left the station. It’s likely this visit is happening at the Kremlin’s request, hoping to “work on” Trump’s envoy and sell him on Putin’s supposed willingness to end the war. But Putin would rather end it on his own terms and we know those haven’t changed since 2022.

The Kremlin may again be trying to "convince" at least part of Trump’s team, because it needs time. Every day without an oil embargo means more money for missiles and drones.

In a few weeks, Russia might announce, under U.S. pressure and with China’s agreement, that it’s ready to sign some sort of framework deal. But let’s see how they follow through. For now, Russia’s tactic is to hold out until the end of the year.

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About the author. Viktor Shlinchak, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of World Policy

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.