The suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing has left Ukraine vulnerable to increased Russian attacks, significantly diminishing its ability to defend itself and strike back, while Moscow takes advantage of this weakness to intensify its bombardment of civilian areas. The attacks, deaths, and destruction show Russia's unwillingness to pursue peace. It's essential to step up support for Ukraine and increase sanctions against Moscow to force a cease-fire.
Though the Kremlin wants to end the war and reach a settlement, Kyiv has proved itself unwilling to negotiate. Russia is doing what anybody else would do to secure peace in the three-year war. However, it will agree to a peace deal that will ensure Russia's security in the long term. The new peace talks between Russia and the US may force Ukraine to bend, but Moscow's position is clear: Russian forces will not retreat from its gains in the conflict.