Russia raises pressure on the West as Ukraine gains ground

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his speech as he attends a ceremony to receive credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Russia, at the Kremlin, Moscow, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

The Kremlin has said there are no prospects for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine and gave its blessing to efforts to swiftly bring regions already captured under Russia’s complete control.

Such a move could set the stage for Moscow to escalate the conflict if Ukrainian forces try to take the regions back.