Washington is easing economic pressure on Moscow while Russia continues its war against Ukraine. But the greater danger may lie in what the US is prepared to negotiate over Europe's security Washington risks allowing Russia to reestablish a sphere of influence in Eastern Europe by reopening discussions on the continent’s security architecture as part of Ukraine peace negotiations. Stuart Dowell, TVP World’s political editor, told the channel’s News in Depth program that US President Donald Trump appeared to be “normalizing relations in advance of a peace settlement,” offering Moscow concessions without securing changes in its behavior. Concessions without compromise Dowell pointed to Washington’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian energy and resume diesel imports, despite President Vladimir Putin maintaining his territorial demands. A recent agreement to reopen Russian diesel exports has also drawn criticism from Ukraine and European allies. More alarming, Dowell argued, was US envoy Steve Witkoff’s apparent willingness to discuss Europe’s broader security arrangements with Moscow. Russia has previously demanded that NATO withdraw military infrastructure from countries that joined the alliance after 1997, including Poland and the Baltic states. Such concessions could create a security vacuum along NATO’s eastern flank, potentially restoring Russian influence over the region. Dowell expressed little optimism about upcoming peace negotiations, arguing that Moscow still believes continued military pressure and attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure could force Kyiv into concessions.
