Willgert meets Russian Ambassador Sergey Belyaev to explore the path to peace in Ukraine
by SWEBBTV [11-8-2025].
What were the real results of the Alaska meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump in August 2025 – and why was the planned follow-up meeting in Budapest cancelled so suddenly? Why were the Alaska talks ended prematurely, without the planned lunch? From Moscow's perspective, how should the frozen Russian assets in Europe – which are now being discussed for Ukraine support – be handled, and what about the European assets frozen in Russia – not least the Russian funds that became worthless.
This is the fourth interview by Mikael Willgert with Russia's ambassador to Stockholm, Sergey Bulyaev. The focus is on the peace process after the Alaska meeting, US sanctions, threats to confiscate Russian assets and Russia's new weapons.
The peace process after the Alaska meeting
Sergey Belyaev confirms ongoing work for a peace solution. The American's proposal was accepted in principle at the Putin-Trump meeting in Alaska, in a positive atmosphere – red carpet and deep conversations. The proposal, conveyed by Steve Witkoff, was approved by Putin, but requires fine-tuning, which contradicts the media's image of Putin's tough demands.
The postponed Budapest meeting would have finalised the adjustments via the foreign ministers (Lavrov-Blinken). Both sides want presidential meetings for decisions. Europe and Ukraine are pressuring Trump to prolong the war for a Western victory over Russia – military, political, economic. The pressure is strong, but the US prioritises national interests and dialogue to avoid superpower conflict. Today, Europe is deeply involved in supporting Ukraine, with huge amounts of taxpayers' money – promises of Russian economic collapse have not been fulfilled after four years.
Economic effects: Europe's crisis and Russia's growth
Europe is suffering: Germany's car industry is shrinking, factories are closing, mass unemployment. The Nord Stream sabotage and energy shortages are exacerbating the situation, but the entire cooperation network – trade, industry – is broken. Finland's eastern regions are struggling.
Russia's economy: GDP is growing by 6-7 per cent, driven by the strategic course set before the Ukraine operation. Pressure on Russia is creating unity around the motherland – Putin has 80 per cent support, but loyalty is to Russia with its 200 nationalities.
Sanctions, travel and the details of the peace agreement
US sanctions were met with strong opposition: Putin called them hostile, Medvedev called them an act of war. Belyaev acknowledges discomfort, but Russia has been accustomed to sanctions since the Soviet era. Travel restrictions? Europeans are discussing visa requirements, but Russians are free to travel; transport problems are complicating matters.
Military movement and the local population
Ukraine demands long-range weapons but remains silent on Donbass. Russia advances slowly: metres to kilometres daily, villages are liberated. The pace is cautious to minimise losses. Focus on Russian-speaking areas.
Zelensky's ban on Russian culture (Russians as ‘creatures’ who should move) drove 6 million to turn to Russia. Minsk was the last chance; no Ukrainian future is in sight.
Aircraft, assets and investments
Sweden's Gripen to Ukraine (within three years, with personnel)?
Financing via frozen Russian assets (€230 billion in Belgium)?
New weapons and nuclear deterrence
Oreshnik (unbeatable), Burevestnik (eternal patrol), Poseidon (tsunami-capable) are the names of new Russian weapons.
The nuclear age requires reflection – there are no winners in war. Trump's nuclear weapons tests risk escalation. European ‘defeat Russia’ voices threaten to contribute to a coming nuclear winter.