Senator Wicker Warns “Putin Cannot Be Trusted in Peace Talks”

In a stark address to the U.S. Senate, Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivered a firm warning to American policymakers and defense stakeholders: Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted to negotiate a legitimate or lasting peace in Ukraine.

Speaking amid ongoing peace talks in Riyadh and growing speculation about sanctions relief, Wicker sought to dispel any optimism about the Kremlin’s intentions. “President Putin values peace as little as any piece of shredded paper he would deceitfully sign,” Wicker said. “These are not the gestures of a statesman. We are dealing with a tyrant who speaks the language of war and terror.”

The senator’s comments come at a critical juncture, with maritime and defense industries closely watching U.S.-Ukraine-Russia developments for their geopolitical and commercial implications. In particular, the negotiations have raised alarms across the global shipping sector, as Russian requests for sanctions relief reportedly include lifting restrictions on vessels flying the Russian flag.

Wicker cautioned against any such concessions, warning that loosening sanctions could enable Russia to reconstitute its military capabilities and extend the conflict. “Russia is barely managing to sustain this war,” he said. “We should not support a peace deal that lets