The Russian leader "can fight for as long as it takes" but is also ready to "freeze" the war if an agreement can be made with Kyiv. According to Kremlin sources, Russia is prepared to pause its brutal invasion of Ukraine if a ceasefire is agreed upon that recognizes the current battlefield lines.
Three sources familiar with discussions in Russian leader Vladimir Putin's entourage claim he expressed frustration over what he perceives as Western-backed attempts to hinder talks and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to negotiate. "Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but he is also ready for a ceasefire to freeze the war," one insider told Reuters.
The unnamed source, along with others speaking on the condition of anonymity, is a senior Russian official with knowledge of high-level conversations in Moscow. Reuters spoke to a total of five people who currently or previously worked with the Russian President in senior political and business roles. The fifth source did not comment on the possibility of freezing the war at the current frontlines.
Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, stated that the Russian leader has been clear that Russia is open to dialogue to achieve its goals, insisting the country does not desire an endless war.
Ukraine's foreign and defense ministries have yet to comment on the reports.
Kyiv's problems have been mounting in recent months as it tries to hold out against its much bigger foe, with the war, which began in February 2022, appearing to be at a critical juncture.
The new Russian offensive is stretching Ukraine’s depleted ranks thin, and analysts suggest that the recent appointment of economist Andrei Belousov as the country's defense minister places the country's economy on a permanent war footing. However, the sources said that Putin would prefer to use his forces' current momentum to seek an end to the fighting. The insiders did not directly comment on Belousov's appointment, Reuters reports.
Two of the sources indicated that, based on their knowledge of conversations within the Kremlin's upper ranks, Putin believes the territorial gains Moscow has made so far would be enough to declare victory to the Russian public. Zelensky, whom Russia put on its wanted list this month, has repeatedly rejected peace on Putin's terms, vowing to retake territory seized by Russia, including Crimea, which Putin's forces annexed in 2014.
Russia and Ukraine have lost tens of thousands of lives during the conflict, with the US and Kyiv's European allies providing billions in military aid to support Ukraine's fight.
Meanwhile, Western sanctions have severely impacted Russia's economy, isolating Moscow on the global stage.
There’s no way you would accept Putin’s word. He would most likely use such a ceasefire to regroup and rebuild his forces for a later push.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I wouldnt trust a word of his.
DeleteHe is looking for ways that make him seem successful, Lets hope nobody agrees and if he wants a stop then the only options if for him to fall back and release Crimea. He can then tell the Russian people he succeeded in making them understand not mess with Russia (lol)
ReplyDeleteRussian play book is to fight first, destroy it's own military, withdraw and sue for peace and start again exactly where it left off in 8-10 years. All treaties and promises made in the meantime become null & void.
ReplyDeleteNegotiate with Putin at your peril.
I agree. Putler speaks out of both sides of his mouth at the same time. He should not be trusted to keep his word.
ReplyDelete