Putin's Talks with Trump End in Failure as Russian Leader's Approval Hits Record Low.

The Situation in Ukraine and Russia

According to UATV: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now stretching over many years, continues to create a complicated environment for both nations. Negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump yielded no meaningful outcomes, as Putin failed to secure any concessions. Russian forces have been attempting to take control of Donbas since 2014, but the situation there remains tense and challenging.

According to reports, Putin's generals face a deadline set for December 2026, indicating growing pressure from the leadership. Meanwhile, Putin's approval rating has dropped to its lowest point since 2021. As of July 12, 65% of those surveyed still support his actions, but this reflects increasing skepticism about Russia's military achievements both in Ukraine and within Russia itself.

Russia's Economic Struggles

Amid the military campaign, Russia is grappling with severe economic difficulties. It cannot export as much petroleum products as it would like due to shutdowns at its refineries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev noted that this situation has significantly impacted Russia's standing in the global market.

• China is refusing to supply Russia with power units for Arctic-class vessels, further complicating matters.
• Domestic issues are also surfacing, with longer lines at gas stations and rising prices for fuel and food.

These developments are fueling public concern. As stated by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office,

“Today they are intensively selling their gold reserves because they need to compensate for the deficits that are rapidly growing”

— Mykhailo Podolyak. Economic hardships are thus becoming a serious challenge for Russia during wartime.

In the context of the conflict, comments from Guido Crosetto also carry weight:

“Ukraine has already won the confrontation with Moscow, considering that Kyiv's goal was never to invade Russia but to survive”

— Guido Crosetto. This remark highlights a shift in how the conflict is perceived and suggests that Ukraine has achieved its objectives in its standoff with Russia. As a result, the situation remains complex, and the outlook for events in Ukraine and Russia stays uncertain.

Tensions persist in both Ukraine and Russia, driven by ongoing military operations and the economic hurdles Russia faces. The decline in Putin's public support points to mounting internal pressure, which could influence future decisions about the war. At the same time, growing doubts about Russian military success may signal potential changes in Kremlin strategy, especially given the economic strain and international isolation.