Putin reaffirms commitment to Russia’s military engagement in Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing Russia’s military engagement in Ukraine following a recent meeting with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This development comes amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite diplomatic efforts and US-mediated talks, a resolution remains elusive, with both Moscow and Kyiv maintaining divergent positions on critical issues such as territory and security guarantees. The meeting was characterized by continued aerial attacks, suggesting a lack of movement towards de-escalation. Key Takeaways Putin’s stance appears consistent with scenarios where Russia could pursue further military actions in Ukraine. Markets indicate an increased probability of Russian entry into Sloviansk by the end of 2026, consistent with this potential escalation. Current market pricing reflects a 20.5% likelihood of Russian forces entering Sloviansk by the specified deadline, with recent adjustments suggesting heightened expectations of military developments. What to Watch Watch for any signs of increased military activity in ...