Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made no bones about Moscow’s stance in his recent call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio: Russia isn’t interested in any peace agreement that doesn’t amount to Kyiv’s complete surrender. This means President Donald Trump can’t secure the cease-fire he desires unless he gives Vladimir Putin compelling reasons to cut his losses now.
Whatever narrative Putin presented to Trump during their call last week, the Kremlin refuses to offer anything that would justify a face-to-face meeting in Budapest. Trump’s options may include sending Tomahawk and Barracuda cruise missiles to Ukraine—perhaps initially a few, with more ready to follow. This would enable Kyiv to strike Moscow’s energy sector and weapons factories deep inside Russia.
Additionally, implementing “secondary sanctions” could target China and other nations purchasing large quantities of Russian oil, effectively cutting off funding for Putin’s war machine.
Putin continues to attempt to bomb and drone Ukraine into submission, launching constant attacks on civilians. However, he is also beginning to run out of personnel to send to the front lines, while falling global oil prices squeeze Russia’s treasury.
When the Russian autocrat isn’t insisting he is on track to defeat Ukraine outright—nearly four years after the invasion—his officials warn that further aid to Kyiv could trigger a nuclear war. These are clumsy mind games designed to intimidate.
Kudos to Rubio for forcing Lavrov to admit that Putin still won’t bend an inch. Now, it’s up to Trump to find a way to make him bend.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/opinion/with-putin-digging-in-its-time-for-trump-to-send-kyiv-some-tomahawks/
