The agreement on natural resource development, which was reached by the US and Ukraine after two months of intense negotiations, has generated anxiety in the Kremlin. The Russian elite fear the growing closeness between President Zelenskyy and Donald Trump and believe that the Kremlin may miss its opportunity to secure a favorable agreement to end the war with Ukraine.
Pressure is mounting on Putin to at least give the appearance of being willing to make concessions. Otherwise, Russia faces the threat of a new package of American sanctions, which would cause a “serious blow,” given that the budget deficit is already increasing. Officials assert that Russia has managed to cope with the sanctions, but concerns are rising.
Those who urge peace within the Kremlin insists that Putin must accept Trump’s conditions – freezing the war on the front lines in exchange for the recognition of Crimea and sanctions being lifted. Meanwhile, the more hawkish contingent continue to advocate for continued fighting.
Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal have stated that the subsoil agreement could facilitate new shipments of American air defense systems to Ukraine.