The Kremlin is trying to create the illusion of interest in peace talks while simultaneously preparing for a continuation of the full-scale war against Ukraine — regardless of the cost. This is stated in a new report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Source: PRYAMYI
Analysts note that Putin is attempting to portray himself as open to peace initiatives, particularly from the United States, while at the same time refusing to take any real steps toward ending the war.
“This is an attempt to mask the true unwillingness to stop the war and to gain unilateral concessions from Washington without participating in a genuine peace process,” the report states.
ISW also highlights the Kremlin’s key demands that confirm its aggressive intentions:
- replacing the Ukrainian government with a pro-Russian regime;
- demilitarizing the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- blocking Ukraine’s accession to NATO;
- amending the Constitution to enshrine a neutral status.
According to analysts, Putin likely told U.S. special representative Steve Witkoff that Russia’s territorial ambitions are supposedly limited to four regions — Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. The Kremlin hopes this narrative will create an impression of the inevitability of their seizure and force Ukraine and the West into making concessions.
ISW concludes that Putin still believes in the advantage of time — hoping that Russia can “outlast” Ukraine and its allies by dragging out the conflict until it ends on terms favorable to Moscow.