“Putin missed his chance”: Kurt Volker predicts tougher sanctions against Russia

Speaking on Espreso TV, Volker said:

"I think President Donald Trump is trying to pressure Putin. He’s making offers, doing what he can to isolate an aggressor like Putin from the international community. At the same time, he’s proposing alternatives—business-oriented approaches. But Putin simply says no. In my view, sanctions on Russia will continue, and military aid to Ukraine will keep flowing. Putin has missed his chance.”

Volker also emphasized that falling energy prices could seriously undermine Russia’s budget.

“It’s a good sign that Donald Trump now sees Putin for the dictator he is, how he operates, and how he rejects any offers. This will only lead to continued sanctions, including secondary ones likely to be imposed by Congress. Falling energy prices will also hit Putin’s budget hard,” he added.

• On May 9, Reuters, citing a French diplomatic source, reported that the U.S. and EU allies are finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.