Hopes for Russia peace talks are wishful thinking due to weak Western response, expert says

Hopes for a genuine peace process with Russia are currently "wishful thinking," according to an expert who argues that the West's response to Russia's ongoing aggression has been inadequate. The expert, identified as Šeremeta, believes that while Russia faces economic difficulties and Ukraine inflicts damage on the battlefield, the crucial deterrent factor – a strong Western reaction – is largely absent.

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This is the hottest stage of the war. The most missile attacks on Ukraine are happening – Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro – they are claiming the most civilian casualties since the full-scale invasion began.

Šeremeta observed that in the past, escalations by Russia or increased brutality in Ukraine were met with heightened Western support for Kyiv. However, he notes a stark difference now, even as Russia launches its most intense missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing significant civilian casualties. "This is the hottest stage of the war. The most missile attacks on Ukraine are happening – Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro – they are claiming the most civilian casualties since the full-scale invasion began," he stated. The expert added that this is precisely when Western support should be at its maximum, but it is not, especially with the U.S. having "completely withdrawn its support."

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So now would be literally the time for maximum Western support, but it is not following.

This perceived Western weakness, Šeremeta contends, leads Russia to believe it has more resources to endure a prolonged conflict than Ukraine and, more importantly, the West. He dismisses the notion that time is on Ukraine's side, stating it is not an ally to either side. The expert described seeing empty streets in Ukraine, with people either conscripted, hiding, or having fled the country, illustrating the immense strain on Ukrainian society.

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When Russia sees this, it actually sees Western weakness, so it is simply playing a game of time.

Šeremeta expressed serious concern about a potential U.S. withdrawal from NATO, a fear fueled by Donald Trump's "America First" policy. He explained that Trump's narrative since 2016 suggests a disinterest in European affairs and conflicts, leaving Europe to manage its own security. "America doesn't care about Europe," the professor concluded, though he expressed hope that figures like U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a strong NATO supporter, might counter such isolationist tendencies.

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America doesn't care about Europe.