Pressure, Negotiation Track, and Sanctions: Expert Explains How Trump Is Trying to Revive the Negotiation Process

Political expert and military serviceman Oleksandr Musiienko explained that the West is trying to revitalize the negotiation process; otherwise, the Russia-Ukraine war could drag on even further, Politeka reports.

He shared this in his blog.

"Right now, there is significant foreign policy activity around Ukraine—despite it being August, despite the traditional vacation period both in the U.S. and in EU countries. Nevertheless, the level of activity will be quite substantial. This is already evident, as Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, is going to Russia, and another of Trump’s envoys—well-known to us—General Keith Kellogg, may arrive in Kyiv by the end of the week for negotiations," Oleksandr Musiienko notes.

And all of this, he emphasizes, is happening amid Russian attacks, Trump’s statements, and the anticipation of August 8, which may become a key turning point in determining how U.S. and broader Western policy toward Russia will proceed.

"Why is Witkoff going to Russia, why is Kellogg coming here, and why might others follow? Clearly, they want to revive the negotiation track. The West now sees the possibility of negotiations as an all-or-nothing scenario. Either they try now to put more pressure on Putin and force Russia to the negotiating table, or the war could drag on for at least another six months—until the end of the year and possibly into the first half of 2026. That’s what may happen, which is why they’re scrambling and considering options," Musiienko explains.

However, he notes, much is actually being decided on the front lines—Ukraine is holding on as long as the infantry holds. In addition, the expert adds, it is crucial to continue striking enemy military targets. As Reuters reports, due to a Ukrainian drone strike, the Novokuibyshevsk refinery is operating at only 48% of its production capacity—this, in turn, reduces Russia’s military potential.

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