Agreements with the US, a Shortage of Patriot Missiles, Iran, and Elections in Europe: Expert Explains Why Putin Will Prolong the War
Political expert and Ukrainian Armed Forces serviceman Oleksandr Musiienko has explained that Putin plans to enter 2027 with the war still ongoing. The global situation is developing in such a way that he may be able to prolong it, Politeka reports.
He spoke about this in his blog.
“There has been a decision regarding diesel, and three Russian tankers subject to sanctions are already heading to the United States. Zelenskyy is right to warn that the easing of restrictions on diesel could be followed by further concessions, which is a serious cause for concern. The New York Times and other Western media outlets report that the United States is considering lifting restrictions on Russia’s investment fund, which would allow Russia to receive several billion dollars more. At the same time, they note that sanctions can only be fully lifted after the war ends. In other words, we can see that the United States has chosen the following approach: let’s try lifting sanctions in the hope that this will make Russia willing to de-escalate and engage in dialogue,” Oleksandr Musiienko explains.
He also notes that Putin is prolonging the war because he believes that terror will break Ukraine’s resolve. As Zelenskyy has said, according to the expert, Ukraine was receiving only 12 Patriot missiles per month from the United States. European countries have missiles but are not transferring them, relying instead on future deliveries. As a result, Russia has a window of opportunity to launch ballistic missile strikes.
“Putin is also counting on the United States launching a new campaign of strikes against Iran. This could happen: the Wall Street Journal reports that Patriot systems are being redeployed from Texas to the Middle East. Netanyahu’s party is gaining ground in Israel, which means that the anti-Iran policy could continue. Israel would welcome US steps to resume strikes against Iran. There is a high probability that such a campaign will begin. Putin is counting heavily on this scenario. He would like the United States to become bogged down there, and Russia is doing everything it can to fuel escalation in the Middle East. Russia continues to support Iran and provides satellite imagery to the Houthis in Yemen, who continue to attack Saudi Arabia,” Oleksandr Musiienko claims.
In Europe, the expert points out, elections, protests, and economic problems are creating conditions in which far-right parties could come to power. These parties advocate friendly relations with Russia for pragmatic reasons. In addition, he says, Europe is facing difficulties in providing financial support to Ukraine. Putin is counting on these factors, which is why he will continue to drag out the war.