The war between Ukraine and Russia is not new, but it has continued to be a major issue in the past year as other countries have joined the battlefield to intervene in the conflict.
A piece of good news that was released recently received mixed reactions when Russia itself took the initiative to extend a peace greeting with Moscow.
However, the main question remains, will peace really come to fruition?
According to former UK ambassador to Kyiv, Simon Smith, the much-touted peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine will never be possible.
Smith, said Putin is now at his highest level of confidence that he does not have to bow to any peace agreement because:
Putin believes time and resources are still on his side
Smith explained that Putin sees this war as a mental and emotional marathon — the longer it goes on, the more Western support weakens due to fatigue, while strengthening Russia's position.
With Trump refusing new military aid to Ukraine and the EU increasingly divided, Putin is confident that no external pressure can stop him.
Trump Prefers Putin Over Zelensky
The cold Trump-Zelensky relationship gives Putin confidence that Trump is more 'friendly' to him.
The US Will Never 'Join' Russia Sanctions
Although Putin knows that the EU is persuading the US to join new sanctions against Russia, Putin is confident that Trump is not interested.
Smith explained that Putin thinks that Trump is more focused on image and awards such as the Nobel Peace Prize than taking firm action against Moscow.
Putin Confident Trump Will Succeed
Despite repeated phone calls without reaching a solution, Putin is confident that Trump himself will tire and withdraw from intervening in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"Therefore, Putin devised a strategy to delay peace talks while continuing to launch attacks on Ukraine.
Peace is still far away, war is getting closer. Despite the hype of talks, Putin knows that it is just a game of timing.
As long as Trump can be the 'secret weapon' in Russia's victory, the bombs will keep falling in Ukraine.
