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Geopolitics & Economy
>>> Kremlin adviser Dmitry Suslov outlined Putin’s ceasefire demands: recognition of occupied territories as Russian, NATO renunciation, demilitarisation, constitutional reform toward federalisation, and permanent control of current frontlines with minor withdrawals in Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions.
>>> Financial Times noted that Western fatigue and pressure on Ukraine to accept territorial compromises are aiding Putin’s strategy.
>>> The New York Times reported that Putin views the Alaska meeting with Donald Trump as an opportunity to secure sanctions relief in exchange for a limited ceasefire.
>>> Politico highlighted that Europe can influence Trump through economic leverage and coordinated sanctions policy.
>>> The Moscow Times reported that Russia’s government will urgently meet oil companies as fuel prices have surged nearly 50% since January, partly due to Ukrainian drone strikes.
>>> The Hill urged Ukraine to demand robust international security guarantees and maintain its armed forces’ strength in any negotiations.
>>> The Institute for the Study of War assessed that the coming days will be decisive in the battles for Pokrovsk and Dobropillia.
>>> Financial Times reminded that previous Trump–Putin summits ended without significant agreements due to deep mistrust.
>>> The Telegraph predicted that even with a deal, the war is unlikely to end quickly given entrenched positions on both sides.
>>> Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger criticised Ukrainian bureaucracy for delaying construction of its arms plant in Ukraine, while the German facility is already complete.