President Putin’s speech at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) indicates Russia believes the West’s actions regarding Ukraine are not aimed at achieving peace or Ukrainian security. According to Dmitry Suslov, a Russian foreign policy expert, Putin’s remarks suggest Russia views the West as actively pursuing a strategy to prolong conflict and weaken Russia. Suslov argues the West’s ultimate goal is to inflict strategic defeat on Russia, rather than genuinely assisting Ukraine. This perspective, shared by a prominent voice in Russian foreign policy circles, highlights a deep-seated distrust of Western intentions. Putin’s address, delivered in Vladivostok, frames the conflict as a larger confrontation between Russia and the West. This analysis suggests Russia sees no immediate opportunity for a negotiated settlement under current Western policies and anticipates continued hostility. The speech reinforces the Kremlin’s narrative of being a target of Western aggression.