Putin is ready to halt the war in Ukraine with ceasefire that recognises current battlefield lines - but will fight on if the West does not respond

Russia's Vladimir Putin is reportedly willing to halt the war in Ukraine if a ceasefire can be negotiated that recognizes the current battlefield lines, according to Russian sources.

Three sources, familiar with discussions within Putin's inner circle, informed Reuters that the Russian leader has expressed frustration to a small group of advisers about what he perceives as Western-backed efforts to hinder negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to engage in talks.

"Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but he is also ready for a ceasefire to freeze the war," said another source, a senior Russian official with knowledge of top-level Kremlin conversations. Like the others, this source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Reuters interviewed five people who work or have worked with Putin at senior levels in political and business circles. The fifth source did not comment on the possibility of freezing the war at the current frontlines.

Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, responded to a request for comment by reiterating that Russia is open to dialogue to achieve its goals and does not desire an eternal war. Ukraine's foreign and defense ministries did not respond to inquiries.

Last week's appointment of economist Andrei Belousov as Russia's defense minister was interpreted by some Western analysts as a move to place the Russian economy on a permanent war footing for a protracted conflict. This followed recent sustained battlefield pressure and territorial advances by Russia.

However, the sources indicated that Putin, re-elected in March for a new six-year term, prefers to use Russia's current momentum to end the war. They did not directly address the new defense minister's role.

Based on their knowledge of high-level Kremlin conversations, two sources said Putin believes the war's gains so far are sufficient to present as a victory to the Russian people. The war, the largest ground conflict in Europe since World War II, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths on both sides and led to significant Western sanctions on Russia's economy.

Three sources noted that Putin understands any substantial new advances would necessitate another nationwide mobilization, which he wants to avoid. One source, familiar with the president, mentioned that his popularity declined following the first mobilization in September 2022. The call-up alarmed parts of the Russian population, causing hundreds of thousands of draft-age men to leave the country, and polls indicated a drop in Putin's popularity.

Peskov stated that Russia does not need further mobilization and is instead recruiting volunteer contractors for the armed forces. Despite this, the prospect of a ceasefire or peace talks currently appears distant.

Zelensky has consistently stated that peace on Putin's terms is unacceptable. He has vowed to reclaim lost territory, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, and signed a 2022 decree declaring any talks with Putin "impossible."

One source predicted that no agreement would be possible while Zelensky remains in power, unless Russia bypasses him and reaches a deal with Washington. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Kyiv last week, expressed doubt that Putin is interested in serious negotiations.