Lebanese journalist Nadim Koteich met Russian President Vladimir Putin twice, with the last and longest meeting in June during the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum. Putin asserted that all of Ukraine is Russian, focusing on securing a buffer zone for Russian national security in the east and south, with a strategy of limited security objectives that are non-negotiable. The Alaska summit between Putin and Trump did not result in a ceasefire or peace agreement but restored Putin’s status as an equal player with the West. Trump called for a comprehensive peace agreement focusing on lasting stability and Ukraine’s security independent of NATO. Western sanctions against Russia failed to weaken it, pushing Moscow to diversify its markets and strengthen partnerships with southern countries, while negatively impacting Europe and Ukraine. Continued disregard of Russia’s motivations will prolong the war and leave Ukraine to bear the cost alone.