Vitaliy Portnikov discusses a new wave of Russian terrorist attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, coinciding with Donald Trump’s ultimatum demanding a swift end to the war.
Following the latest combined assault on the capital, the number of casualties in Kyiv is rising, along with significant destruction. According to Portnikov, Russia’s actions serve as a direct response to mounting international pressure, especially the shortening of Trump’s ultimatum regarding the timeframe for ending the war.
After Trump’s initial call for a 50-day deadline, later reduced to just 10 days, Putin chose escalation over negotiation. The author highlights the Kremlin’s intent to ignore external pressure, intensify blackmail through massive strikes, and utilize China’s support to continue hostilities.
Portnikov stresses the need for increased Western support for Ukraine to counter this strategy, emphasizing the urgency of strengthening Ukraine’s air defense systems and increasing economic pressure on Russia and its partners.
He concludes that expanding assistance to Ukraine, coupled with tougher sanctions, is key to bringing the war closer to an end.
