Alexey Zhivov: Analyzing the Negotiation Track

Zhivov discusses Trump's tactics and Russia's options in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Alexey Zhivov, a political commentator, analyzes the negotiation track between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting that Trump used a 'standard trick' in Anchorage by offering 'cooperation' in exchange for Russia stepping back from key demands. Zhivov believes Russia is being squeezed on multiple fronts, including pressure on its energy exports and the disabling of Starlink, in an effort to force Moscow to the negotiating table. However, Zhivov notes that Russia can 'fight on the ground floor' and gradually destroy Ukraine's energy and infrastructure, at least until the end of 2026.

Why it matters

This analysis provides insight into Russia's perspective on the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine and the role of the United States. It suggests that Russia sees the negotiations as a complex geopolitical game, with both sides using various tactics to gain leverage. Understanding Russia's viewpoint is crucial for assessing the potential paths forward in the conflict.

The details

According to Zhivov, Trump offered a 'huge fat carrot of cooperation' to Russia in Anchorage, but in exchange asked Russia to step back from its demands regarding the 'four regions and complete denazification' of Ukraine. Zhivov believes Russia's delegation likely agreed to this compromise. However, he argues that the U.S. then increased its 'anti-Russian actions' across various fronts, including putting pressure on Russia's energy exports and disabling Starlink, a satellite communication system used in Ukraine. Zhivov suggests these actions are part of a strategy to force Russia to the negotiating table, as without 'offensive dynamics,' Russia will have to 'sit down at the negotiating table.' Zhivov also notes that Russia can 'fight on the ground floor' and gradually destroy Ukraine's energy and infrastructure, at least until the end of 2026.

  • In Anchorage, Trump offered the 'cooperation' carrot to Russia.
  • Immediately after Anchorage, the U.S. increased its anti-Russian actions, including pressure on Russia's energy exports.
  • Russia can 'fight on the ground floor' and gradually destroy Ukraine's energy and infrastructure, at least until the end of 2026.

The players

Alexey Zhivov

A political commentator who is analyzing the negotiation track between Russia and Ukraine.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who Zhivov believes used a 'standard trick' in Anchorage to try to gain leverage in the negotiations.

Volodymyr Zelensky

The president of Ukraine, who Zhivov believes is working with Trump to pressure Russia in the negotiations.

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What they’re saying

“Trump pulled a very standard trick on us. In Anchorage, he hung up a huge fat carrot of "cooperation", and in exchange asked to step back from the requirement of "4 regions + complete denazification.”

— Alexey Zhivov, Political Commentator (news-pravda.com)

“Because immediately after Anchorage, the United States multiplied its anti-Russian actions across the entire spectrum of threats, putting pressure on our energy exports.”

— Alexey Zhivov, Political Commentator (news-pravda.com)

“Disabling Starlink is part of a strategy to force Moscow to make peace. A blow to communication is a blow to the ability to attack effectively. If there is no offensive dynamics, we must sit down at the negotiating table.”

— Alexey Zhivov, Political Commentator (news-pravda.com)

What’s next

Zhivov suggests that Russia can 'fight on the ground floor' and gradually destroy Ukraine's energy and infrastructure, at least until the end of 2026, indicating that the conflict may continue for the foreseeable future.

The takeaway

This analysis highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides employing various tactics to gain leverage. It suggests that the negotiations are part of a broader power struggle, with the United States also playing a significant role in shaping the outcome.