Anna Hartz
Putin Steps Up Attacks to Push Ukraine Toward Talks
War has a way of grinding people down. When it stretches on for years, battles are fought not just on the front lines but also in politics, energy, and diplomacy. That is the stage Ukraine finds itself on today, as Russia pushes harder and harder while world powers argue over how far they are willing to go.
Putin’s Tactic
Sources close to the Kremlin told Bloomberg, The Moscow Times, and Radio Svoboda that Vladimir Putin believes stepping up attacks is the best way to pressure Kyiv into accepting talks on his terms. This reports HotNews in their article.
His decision followed the Alaska summit on August 15, where he came away convinced that Donald Trump would not directly intervene in the conflict.
Increased Attacks
In recent weeks, Russian forces have increased strikes on military and civilian targets. The focus has been Ukraine’s power grid and other vital systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to hand over territory in the east, and Moscow has responded with more missiles and drones.
Trump Reacts
Trump has voiced irritation with Putin, saying he felt “let down.” He hinted at tougher sanctions, but also told allies they must act first before the U.S. takes stronger steps.
Meanwhile, the European Commission introduced a new sanctions package that includes energy companies and even some Chinese entities.
But as always, all 27 EU states must agree. Slovakia and Hungary have already resisted calls to abandon Russian oil and gas without alternatives.
Russia Struggles, Ukraine Pushes Back
The war is also playing out in numbers. Since mid-August, Russia’s drone and missile attacks have jumped by nearly half, according to Ukrainian data.
Yet, despite heavier bombardment, Russian troops have struggled to make meaningful progress on the ground.
More than 100,000 soldiers were redeployed to try to capture Pokrovsk, but Ukraine has pushed back in parts of the Donetsk region.
Ongoing
At the same time, Kyiv has launched its own counterattacks. Ukrainian drones have struck oil facilities inside Russia, including sites that handle a large share of its refining capacity.
Putin is also watching the war in Gaza. Analysts say he sees how Western governments tolerate Israel’s campaign and believes this lessens criticism of Russia.
For now, Moscow is relying on pressure, destruction, and psychological warfare to bend Ukraine to its will.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
