Putin won’t be able to hold occupied territories if Russia’s revenue is cut – political analyst

He made this statement on the Espreso TV channel.

“Three years ago, Putin was setting conditions even through European leaders. At that time, he did not recognize Ukraine at all; for him, such a country didn’t exist. He issued ultimatums to the U.S. over the heads of Europe, but today ultimatums are being issued to him. Back then, Putin ignored Ukraine and wanted to talk directly with the U.S. about how they would arrange the world. Now Trump has told him that he will have to sit at the negotiation table with Ukraine. In other words, the current situation is the exact opposite of what it was at the start of the large-scale aggression. Back then, Putin was setting the conditions; now, the conditions are being set for him,” Dymov emphasized.

According to the political analyst, Trump fully understands the situation Russia finds itself in. Trump’s level of ambition is very high, and Putin simply cannot match it.

“Unfortunately, everyone understands that it was Russia that started the war, yet concessions are being proposed for Ukraine to make. I am deeply opposed to the formula of ‘peace in exchange for territories,’ where Putin both seizes territories and imposes his version of peace,” Dymov stressed.

The political scientist added that while Putin once sought to negotiate on equal terms with the U.S., today he is being largely ignored.

“Putin is in a situation that Trump fully understands—an ideal storm for Russia, with enormous war expenses, stagnation, and inflation in Russia today. If his revenues are cut, he will find himself in a situation where he cannot even maintain the territories he has temporarily seized,” Dymov noted.

• On January 22, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to make a deal to end the war in Ukraine. If Putin refuses, Trump threatens to impose high taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on all Russian exports to the United States.