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United States
>>> U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that frozen Russian assets should serve as leverage in negotiations rather than be immediately confiscated, signalling a calibrated approach to financial pressure on Moscow.
>>> In a U.S. television interview, Steve Witkoff claimed President Putin conveyed “desire for peace” during Alaska contacts; critics noted that any proposal lacking a full ceasefire and withdrawal remains unacceptable to Kyiv.
>>> U.S. businessman Steve Witkoff called for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump, citing his push for Ukraine talks after the Alaska contact; the appeal drew sharp backlash from Ukraine’s supporters, who stress any “deal” without a full ceasefire and Russian withdrawal is unacceptable.
>>> The Pentagon assessed that Russia’s nuclear potential remains at pre-war levels, underscoring why sustained conventional deterrence—and Ukraine’s air defence—remain urgent priorities.