On Russian state TV, Vladimir Putin dismissed any chance of peace talks with Ukraine, calling the conflict a “battle with the West” and labeling Ukraine nothing more than a puppet state.

His solution? Bypass Zelensky entirely. “Give me Trump!” Putin wants to negotiate with the U.S., cutting Ukraine out of the equation as if they don’t deserve a seat at the table.

Analysts suggest this is Putin’s way of bracing Russian elites for the long haul. Translation: This war isn’t ending anytime soon.

And Putin’s version of peace talks? Let the grown-ups—Trump and Russia—handle it.

Get ready, because the stakes just got even higher.

https://x.com/JimFergusonUK/status/1883135624049512467