Feb 18 • 03:40 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

War on Day 1456: ISW reports that Russia limits airstrikes for fear of Trump’s anger

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) claims that Russia is curbing its airstrike operations in an effort to avoid provoking US President Donald Trump amid ongoing talks surrounding the Ukraine conflict.

On the 1456th day of the war, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia is limiting the scale of its airstrikes, likely out of concern for angering US President Donald Trump. This commentary comes in light of ongoing three-way peace negotiations held in Geneva involving representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Ukrainian people would reject any proposals to cede control of the Donbas region to Russia, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding territorial integrity amid the discussions.

During the peace talks in Geneva, which were mediated by the United States, it was noted that Russia launched an attack on Ukraine using rockets and 126 drones while negotiations were ongoing. This act raises questions about Russia's intentions and the sincerity of its participation in peace efforts. Furthermore, the ISW pointed out that the Russian military operations were likely influenced by geopolitical calculations concerning US domestic politics, particularly the sentiments associated with President Trump.

In the latest developments from the conflict, Ukrainian sources reported that at least five civilians were killed in Russian attacks over the past day. Additionally, estimates suggested that Russia suffered significant losses, with around 740 soldiers lost within the same timeframe. This situation illustrates the ongoing volatility and the complex interplay of international relations that characterize the Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly against the backdrop of the diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving lasting peace.

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