Russia's hope for trans-Atlantic rift at MSC disappointed

The volume of resources that the European Union earmarks for reconstruction of Ukraine, in addition to current military and financial support, guarantees a very different short- and mid-term environment for investors. Putin may cherish hopes for a personal rapport with Trump underpinned by lucrative opportunities, but his obsession with subjugating Ukraine erases the space for compromises necessary for a peace deal and for doing business. Trans-Atlantic unity, re-energized in Munich, reduces Putin’s chance of diplomatic victory, perhaps even more disastrous for Russia than the plan to conquer Kyiv by the end of February 2022.