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Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine continue, but experts warn the path to ending the war remains unclear. Former CIA Moscow station chief Dan Hoffman argues Russian President Vladimir Putin could stop the conflict immediately if he truly wanted peace. Despite recent ceasefire efforts, Putin’s actions suggest he remains focused on weakening Ukraine’s ability to resist future Russian aggression.
The Trump administration has pushed for negotiations, securing a temporary halt to Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. However, this limited ceasefire excludes front-line troops and civilians, leaving Ukrainians vulnerable to ongoing airstrikes. Hoffman describes the move as a tactical ploy, noting Putin’s history of violating past agreements. Even after the ceasefire announcement, Russian drones struck a Ukrainian railway power station, cutting off civilian electricity.
President Trump has touted “good vibes” from Moscow and positioned the U.S. as a neutral mediator. Yet critics question whether Russia’s cooperation is genuine. Hoffman emphasizes that Putin, a former KGB operative, views America as Russia’s “main enemy” and sees Ukraine’s independence as a threat. The Kremlin’s demands—like blocking Ukraine from NATO membership—aim to isolate the country and legitimize Russian territorial gains.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy insists any deal must include security guarantees and the return of thousands of children forcibly taken to Russia. Western leaders have floated deploying peacekeepers, but Moscow rejects the idea as a provocation. Meanwhile, U.S. officials prepare for high-stakes talks in Saudi Arabia to address unresolved issues like Black Sea security and nuclear facility control.
The Trump administration’s proposal for American ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear plants has drawn skepticism. Analysts warn Putin would interpret this as a U.S. power grab, potentially escalating tensions. Hoffman stresses that trust is absent: “We must mistrust and verify” Russian commitments. Without firm consequences for violations, ceasefire terms could become meaningless.
Putin’s broader goal—to dismantle Ukraine’s government—remains unchanged, according to intelligence experts. Even if temporary agreements are reached, they likely serve as stepping stones for future aggression. Ukraine’s survival depends on sustained Western military aid and sanctions against Russia. Europe’s divided response complicates efforts to present a united front.
As the war enters its fourth year, some predict it will end only when one side exhausts its resources. Hoffman warns America risks appearing “desperate” for a deal, undermining its negotiating power. With battlefield dynamics shifting daily, the Trump administration faces pressure to balance diplomacy with credible threats of escalation.
Ultimately, lasting peace requires Putin to abandon his imperial ambitions—a scenario experts deem unlikely. Until then, Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty continues, with U.S. support remaining critical. The coming weeks will test whether diplomacy can outpace destruction, or if both nations are merely “closer to the beginning than the end” of this brutal conflict.
