Pressure on Europe: ISW explains how Putin is using US uncertainty regarding Ukraine.

The Russian Kremlin is trying to take advantage of the uncertainty of US policy and is increasing pressure on Ukraine's European allies. This was stated in the report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). The goal of this campaign is to influence decision-making in favor of Russia before or during negotiations with Ukraine regarding a ceasefire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the phone conversation between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Russian President Vladimir Putin is a 'Pandora's box' that helps Putin achieve his goal and reduce his isolation in the international community to initiate negotiations on his terms.

The report by the Institute for the Study of War also notes that Russian officials, including Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu and Defense Minister Andrey Biolousov, are using phone calls with Western counterparts to promote Russian propaganda operations. They are trying to undermine the foreign policy of the new US government led by President Donald Trump and push the West to weaken its position on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The report also notes that Ukraine continues to receive military support from its Western partners, including France, which has provided the Ukrainian brigade 'Anna Kyivska' with modern equipment and weapons for training under the European Union Military Assistance Mission (EUMAM).

The Kremlin continues to intensify its campaign and seeks to influence Western decisions regarding Ukraine, increasing pressure on the EU and European countries. At the same Time, Ukraine continues to receive support from its Western partners in the form of military assistance.