Putin nears his goal of restoring US ties without concessions on Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin is closer than ever to normalizing relations with Washington without compromising on Ukraine, a year after US sanctions on Russian oil companies. Trump has embraced Putin while pressuring Ukraine and easing economic measures. Trump announced US purchases of Russian diesel on Oct. 9, suspended Russia sanctions, and urged Ukraine to stop striking oil refineries. Russia seeks to separate the Ukraine conflict from business deals, with talks planned next month involving low-level representatives. Moscow is asserting itself as a global power, proposing a trilateral summit with the US and China. Analysts doubt Trump's economic incentives will end the war, noting Europe's growing role in supporting Ukraine and uncertainty over Trump's consistency.