Kremlin plans to escalate strikes on Ukraine and push for sanctions relief after US elections

Russia plans to intensify strikes on Ukraine's critical and energy infrastructure and pressure Washington to lift economic sanctions, expecting a possible weakening of US President Donald Trump's position after congressional midterm elections, Bloomberg reports, citing Kremlin-linked sources. Moscow has lost confidence in Trump's ability to force Ukraine into peace on Russian terms, so Vladimir Putin is betting on prolonging the war and increasing pressure on European allies. The Kremlin also seeks further sanctions relief, aiming to convince Trump that US-Russia business can proceed without ending the war first. Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner previously offered Moscow commercial deals with American companies in exchange for peace, but Putin shows no willingness to drop territorial claims. Escalation is expected despite planned November 10-11 consultations in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, US, and Russian representatives.