Putin's Game Exposed After Ukraine Strikes Resume

Germany sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin Wednesday, accusing him of insincere tactics following reported strikes on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure – mere hours after Moscow signaled a temporary pause in attacks on energy facilities. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius characterized Putin’s actions as a deliberate “game,” suggesting a lack of genuine commitment to de-escalation.

Pistorius, in a televised interview, pointed to the continued attacks as evidence that Putin’s agreement – reached during a 90-minute phone call with US President Donald Trump – held little weight. He emphasized the timing, noting the strikes occurred immediately after what was touted as a potentially “ground-breaking” conversation. The minister implied a responsibility on Trump to respond to Putin’s actions, given the influence of the United States on the global stage.

The Kremlin had agreed to a limited 30-day pause on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, but refused to commit to a full ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly denounced the agreement as effectively rejected by Russia, given the immediate resumption of strikes.

Pistorius dismissed Putin’s commitment as largely symbolic, arguing that Ukraine’s energy infrastructure was already heavily fortified, rendering the pledge inconsequential. He further condemned Russia’s insistence that a complete cessation of Western military and intelligence aid to Ukraine would be a prerequisite for peace.

The German Defence Minister characterized this demand as a transparent attempt to cripple Ukraine’s defenses, preventing its allies from providing the support necessary to withstand future attacks, even during or following a potential ceasefire. This latest development underscores a deeply concerning pattern of behavior from Moscow, raising serious doubts about the sincerity of its stated intentions and highlighting the urgent need for continued, robust support for Ukraine. It’s becoming increasingly clear that any meaningful path towards peace requires verifiable actions, not just verbal commitments, from the Kremlin.