Lisa Fox
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
Previously, Vladimir Putin had said on many occasions that Russia is just not interested in a simple ceasefire and would like to hear more concrete and soulless proposals for a peace settlement. Of course, that would meet most Russia's terms. But right now, Russia is in a more difficult position than I think it was before this U.S.,
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
Ukraine talks in Riyadh, because for weeks now, we've seen America making demands of Ukraine and of Vladimir Zelensky. And now US is actually asking something from Vladimir Putin, from Russia for the first time in weeks. And it's going to be interesting to see how Russia is going to respond to that.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
Yes, of course. And most importantly, they've just advanced their position in Kursk region. Now they're slowly gaining ground, losing a lot of soldiers in the process. But I think this is the price that Russia is ready to pay, as Vladimir Putin has indicated over those months and years of fighting.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
But indeed, for Russia right now, just stopping where they are potentially meaning getting no ground in Ukraine, which was one of the main objectives. Russia indicated many times that it wants Ukraine to make many more concessions. It wants other countries to recognize Russian sovereignty over the lands that are captured in Ukraine. It wants Ukraine to give up any hope of joining NATO.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
It wants to see sanctions relief. And I think for Russia, it's just not clear at the moment whether the ceasefire is just going to be connected to this discussion about bigger goals that Russia wants to achieve in Ukraine.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
I think generally any reaction, just the assessment of this new track in the relationship with Washington, D.C., has been somewhat restrained. And Putin himself has been very, very cautious. He praised Trump for taking this new line in his relationship with Moscow.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
Vladimir Putin said that it gives hope, but always very cautious in any assessment of whether this new relationship, this dialogue can actually lead to peace. Because I think at the end of the day, even though this relationship is obviously very different from what it was a year ago, I think Russia still sees US as its main rival and the only matching power at the same time.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
So this dynamic is obviously very important. And it felt for weeks that the situation was playing into Vladimir Putin's hands because all this rhetoric about how Zelensky is a dictator and Ukraine should hold presidential elections and Ukrainians are the one who didn't want peace. We all heard that from President Trump. That was music to Vladimir Putin's ears.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
But right now, the conversation is different. Right now, Americans actually praising Ukrainians for their readiness for peace. They announced that they're going to restore this military aid and intelligence cooperation. So now the situation is different again. And I think Russia just doesn't want to make nor Ukrainians nor Americans any wiser about their intentions.
Global News Podcast
Putin visits Kursk after Russian advances - Kremlin
So we're definitely going to see how this situation is going to develop.