Taking Inches in Battle, Russia Demands Miles in Talks

President Vladimir Putin has sent a clear message that Russia’s military victory on the battlefield is reason for Moscow to demand harsh terms in peace negotiations with Ukraine. His officials have emphasized that Russian forces hold a decisive advantage across all fronts, nearing the annihilation of Ukrainian forces. This argument has been used to push hardline demands, while Defense Minister Andrei Kartapolov reiterated the need for Ukraine to acknowledge Russia’s progress and understand the growing pressure on its sovereignty.