Putin rejects US proposals, chooses escalation in Ukraine — Foreign Affairs
Throughout 2025, the Trump administration reportedly offered Moscow territorial concessions from Ukraine and lucrative business deals. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin opted to escalate the conflict instead.
According to Foreign Affairs, the Kremlin aims to maintain control over the Donbas and the so-called “Novorossiya” through military force, disregarding economic losses and human casualties. Putin appears to be developing a new “doctrine,” measuring his power by the territory and spheres of influence he controls rather than economic indicators.
The Russian government continues to simulate negotiations with the US, keeping Trump as a potential partner while simultaneously treating him as a possible adversary. Kremlin analysts believe Russian society is willing to endure economic stagnation for the sake of war, with the population serving as a key resource for budget revenue. This mindset strengthens Putin’s resolve to continue the conflict, even in the face of favourable peace proposals.
Experts note that any potential peace agreement on Ukraine would not guarantee the complete removal of Putin’s Russia from global politics; confrontation could simply shift into a hybrid or cold form.
British intelligence agency MI6 reports that Putin uses body doubles at public events to reduce the risk of assassination. The Russian leader has remained publicly silent on US actions in Venezuela, including the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker by American forces.
