Mikhail Kasyanov: Putin Will Avoid Meeting Zelensky, Sees War as Attrition

Putin's Stance on Peace Negotiations

• 💡 Mikhail Kasyanov, former Russian Prime Minister, states that Putin is absolutely not close to a peace agreement and will avoid a high-level meeting with Zelensky.
• 🎯 Kasyanov believes a meeting would be a humiliating event for Putin, leading him to avoid it.
• ⏳ Putin is expected to continue dragging out time and his offensive operations, believing he can win a war of attrition.

Perceived Putin Victories and Western Strategy

• 📈 Kasyanov notes that Putin perceives wins such as the end of NATO expansion and control over 20% of Ukraine's land.
• 🤝 Putin was reportedly pulled out of isolation by President Trump and now believes he can overcome Western-imposed problems.
• 🌍 The proposed strategy from European leaders is pressure and further isolation on Putin, including more sanctions and pressing China and India not to buy Russian oil, which is a primary funding source for the war.

Divisive Tactics and Ceasefire Misrepresentation

• 🧩 Putin's suggestions, like a land swap, are seen as a ploy to divide America and Ukraine.
• ⚠️ Kasyanov expresses relief that the recent Washington meeting did not result in a split between Europe, Ukraine, and the United States.
• 🗣️ Mr. Trump's changing position from insisting on a ceasefire to demanding a comprehensive solution is noted as playing into Putin's hands.

Mischaracterization of Ceasefires

• 🚫 Kasyanov clarifies that Russian proposals for