Russian-American relations navigate a delicate phase, with Abu Dhabi trilateral talks yielding no settlement breakthroughs despite U.S. pressure for resolution before summer. Moscow deems Kyiv's sequencing plan unworkable, irritated by Washington's dismissal of prior understandings, new demands on Ukraine and hostile rhetoric in the context of Venezuela, Cuba or Russian oil. We depict these topics in detail in our fresh R.Politik Bulletin, revealing the nuances one won't find in the media.

European engagement ramps up: French diplomat Emmanuel Bonne's unannounced Moscow visit prepares potential Macron-Putin dialogue, yet unofficially the Kremlin dismisses it as substance-free, absent a fundamental European policy shift. Moscow signals openness but harbours deep skepticism.

U.S. proposal for a new nuclear deal including China puts Moscow in an awkward position: dialogue is welcomed in principle, but viewed as unrealistic amid Beijing's refusal and Russia's call for broader inclusion.

Putin's pragmatism emerges in Syrian discussions, supporting interim President al-Sharaa to restore territorial integrity and maintain a modest Russian role via military-technical ties.

Economic pressures surface through asset sales: Domodedovo Airport sold at half value to a state-linked buyer amid investor reluctance.

Lukoil's conditional Carlyle deal freezes proceeds under sanctions, a lesser-evil calculation with rival bids ongoing, betting on future geopolitical relief.

Societal impacts deepen: the state has to significantly restrict the general access to higher education, simultaneously favoring war veterans, heightening inequity perceptions.

Ahead of September Duma elections, Telegram restrictions are seen as inevitable but questioned to avoid voter backlash.

GRU Lt Gen Alexeyev's assassination attempt prompts in Moscow swift Ukraine accusations, exposing security gaps for war-linked figures and setbacks of the FSB, but unlikely to foil the negotiations.

Find out much more on the Kremlin thinking in our latest Bulletin.
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