Russian President Vladimir Putin is engaging in a strategic effort to delay the resolution of the Ukraine conflict by feigning interest in negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump. This tactic aims to avert the imposition of additional U.S. sanctions while hoping that Trump will grow impatient with the stalled peace process and reduce American support for Ukraine. Analysts note that Putin's initial plan to achieve a swift resolution has shifted to a secondary strategy focused on exploiting Trump's perceived leniency. Since Trump assumed office, Russia has reportedly more than doubled its military attacks on Ukraine. At a recent summit in Alaska, Putin gave the impression of making serious concessions, but this was characterized as a deceptive move to buy time and sustain the invasion. Observers warn that despite the appearance of peace talks, Russian military operations against Ukrainian civilians continue unabated.