https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/it-s-always-shark-week-in-putin-s-world-that-doesn-t-bode-well-for-trump-s-ukraine-peace-hopesContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/it-s-always-shark-week-in-putin-s-world-that-doesn-t-bode-well-for-trump-s-ukraine-peace-hopeshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/it-s-always-shark-week-in-putin-s-world-that-doesn-t-bode-well-for-trump-s-ukraine-peace-hopes#u56211Fri, 04 Sep 2026 00:02:13 +0000Vladimir Putin asserts Russia holds the upper hand in Ukraine and refuses to negotiate with those he labels terrorists. He claims Russian forces have advanced in the Donetsk region and surrounded Ukrainian troops, while placing forces 12 km from Sumy. Despite these claims, Putin admits a 40-day Ukrainian strike campaign cost Russia 1% of GDP. He maintains that some negotiators must remain in Kyiv for a potential future settlement, even as he predicts Ukraine will crumble and threatens massive energy strikes.Why it mattersThese assertions occur as Donald Trump expresses hopes for a peace deal.