Malofeyev seemed to speak on Putin’s behalf when he denounced Donald Trump’s Ukraine-Russia peace offer—before negotiations had even started. “For the talks to be constructive,” he said, “we need to talk not about the future of Ukraine but the future of Europe and the world.”
“Trump and his administration should understand that the Russian mainstream has shifted to the right,” Verkhovsky added. For Russia’s growing ultranationalist faction, he said, Trump’s “plan to let Kyiv stay independent would not be acceptable.”
I don’t think Trump reacts well to being disrespected, whereas a more normal politician wouldn’t make major decisions based on personal feelings. I suppose we’ll see what the Russians say to Trump’s face, but if this is going to be their attitude then his response might be dramatic (especially since Zelenskyy is sure to flatter him).
It’s surprising to me that the relevant treaty allows lawsuits for the value of potential future profits rather than just compensation for actual losses, but if that’s what Greenland agreed to in order to encourage foreign investment then I don’t think Greenland has grounds to complain when it is expected to follow through. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.