Part 5/8:

For Putin, Ukraine's neutrality is non-negotiable, alongside demands for restrictions on Ukraine’s military. His continued insistence on maintaining control over territories he has seized points to the complexities and challenges of any potential agreement.

Europe’s Marginalized Role

Throughout this turbulent period, Europe’s presence has been glaringly absent. Leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have made only sporadic efforts to engage with Russia, resulting in escalating military tensions. Europe's lack of a cohesive strategy raises troubling questions about the future of the continent, particularly as negotiations unfold without meaningful European influence.