The Kremlin is facing rising internal pressure as key Russian elites grow increasingly uneasy over Ukraine’s expanding alliance with the United States. According to The Washington Post, a new minerals agreement between Kyiv and Washington has alarmed Russian officials, who fear it may shut down Moscow’s remaining chances of negotiating a peace agreement on favourable terms.
While official Kremlin representatives publicly downplayed the significance of the deal, their behind-the-scenes anxiety tells a different story. Russian political commentator Alexei Pushkov called the agreement “another important step toward the colonisation of Ukraine,” while Alexei Chepa, deputy chairman of the Russian Parliament’s Committee on International Affairs, claimed it deepened Ukraine’s supposed dependence on the United States.
However, anonymous sources within the Russian government admitted that many in the elite believe this partnership could mark a pivotal shift, consolidating Ukraine’s Western alliances and leaving Russia without any leverage in future peace negotiations.
One official, speaking anonymously, told The Washington Post that the Russian dictator is now under increasing pressure from within his inner circle to appear more willing to cooperate, even if insincerely. “He understands he needs to at least pretend to make concessions,” the source said. “Otherwise, the economic strain is going to intensify, especially with the bill proposed by Senator Graham and the growing budget deficit.”
The economic outlook for Russia is worsening, with the Kremlin struggling to finance its prolonged invasion of Ukraine. Budget deficits continue to mount, reportedly deepening month by month.
Meanwhile, Politico reports that the White House is debating stronger steps to pressure Moscow into negotiations. Although the Kremlin has not seriously considered ending the war, it has floated temporary “truces” that Western analysts say are strategic stalling tactics. The White House, according to insiders, has not yet finalised its plan but is leaning toward a more forceful diplomatic and economic strategy.
