Putin Reportedly Open to Ceasefire in Ukraine but Prepared for Continued Conflict

[Social Media]

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly ready to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine that would recognize the current frontlines, according to sources within his circle. However, he remains prepared to continue the conflict if Kyiv and Western allies do not respond favorably. This information comes from four Russian sources familiar with discussions among Putin's advisors.

 

Three sources noted that Putin has expressed frustration over perceived Western-backed attempts to block negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's refusal to engage in talks. One senior Russian source, who has worked closely with Putin, mentioned that while Putin is ready for a ceasefire to "freeze the war," he can also fight for as long as necessary.

Reuters spoke to five individuals connected to Putin at senior levels within political and business spheres. While one source did not comment on the idea of freezing the war, the others provided insights into the Kremlin's perspective.

 

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesperson, reiterated Russia's openness to dialogue aimed at achieving its goals, asserting that the country does not desire an "eternal war." The Ukrainian foreign and defense ministries did not respond to queries. The 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 wartime footing. This follows recent battlefield advances by Russian forces.

 

Sources indicated that Putin believes the gains achieved thus far are sufficient to present as a victory to the Russian populace. The war, Europe's largest ground conflict since World War Two, has resulted in substantial casualties and severe economic sanctions on Russia. Putin is reportedly averse to another national mobilization due to its unpopularity. The initial call-up in September 2022 caused widespread alarm and led to a significant number of draft-age men fleeing Russia. Peskov has stated that Russia is recruiting volunteer contractors instead.

 

The prospect of a ceasefire or peace talks remains slim. Zelenskyy has declared that peace on Putin's terms is unacceptable, vowing to reclaim lost territories, including Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. He signed a decree in 2022 declaring talks with Putin impossible. One source suggested no agreement would be possible while Zelenskyy is in power, barring a deal with Washington, which U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken deemed unlikely. Ukraine is preparing for talks in Switzerland next month, aimed at unifying international opinion on ending the war. Russia has not been invited, which it has criticized, arguing the talks lack credibility without its participation.

 

Putin insists on solidifying any battlefield gains and freezing the conflict along current lines, which would leave Russia in control of significant parts of four Ukrainian regions. This arrangement falls short of Moscow's initial goals but is seen as sufficient by Putin to declare a victory. The sources indicated that prolonging the war increases the number of battle-hardened veterans returning to Russia, potentially creating societal tensions. They also noted Putin's view that continued conflict could be sustained without further mobilization due to Russia's larger population and financial incentives for military service.

 

While Putin appears ready to negotiate a ceasefire based on current territorial holdings, he remains prepared for an extended conflict if necessary. Both Russia and Ukraine, along with their respective allies, continue to brace for ongoing hostilities, with little hope for immediate resolution.

 

Credit: Reuters 2024-05-25

 

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[Danderman123]

Frozen conflicts are Putin's specialty.

[Jingthing]

6 minutes ago, Danderman123 said:

Frozen conflicts are Putin's specialty.

Yep. 

Never trust that imperialist fascist dictator.

The west needs to beat back Russia, or they'll never stop. 

[beautifulthailand99]

On 5/25/2024 at 12:19 AM, Jingthing said:

Yep. 

Never trust that imperialist fascist dictator.

The west needs to beat back Russia, or they'll never stop. 

That's the spirit !

 

[Jingthing]

1 minute ago, beautifulthailand99 said:

That's the spirit !

 

What's your point?

[beautifulthailand99]

Just now, Jingthing said:

What's your point?

Watch the video.

[Jingthing]

Just now, beautifulthailand99 said:

Watch the video.

It's not about the current conflict or even the same countries.

[rabas]

17 hours ago, Jingthing said:

What's your point?

 

He's trying to play with our heads.  It's a famous Reagan speech about Khrushchev's belief that the West will ultimately surrender to Russia/USSR.  It's a stirring call to not surrender, it's the worst thing you can do.

 

The West didn't. The USSR collapsed. And the world was free from the tyranny of territorial conquest until now once again with Putin's Russia. So the message is don't surrender. 

 

BTW, I grew up in cold war Europe, traveled throughout the Iron Curtain countries, Russia, Ukraine, East and West Germany and Berlin. I saw what Hitler had done and what Russia was doing. I've spent my life cheering for Russian people and have many close, long term friends. That's why I am  vocal against Putin and propaganda. I get it from my friends. 

 

[Gweiloman]

4 hours ago, rabas said:

 

He's trying to play with our heads.  It's a famous Reagan speech about Khrushchev's belief that the West will ultimately surrender to Russia/USSR.  It's a stirring call to not surrender, it's the worst thing you can do.

 

The West didn't. The USSR collapsed. And the world was free from the tyranny of territorial conquest until now once again with Putin's Russia. So the message is don't surrender. 

 

BTW, I grew up in cold war Europe, traveled throughout the Iron Curtain countries, Russia, Ukraine, East and West Germany and Berlin. I saw what Hitler had done and what Russia was doing. I've spent my life cheering for Russian people and have many close, long term friends. That's why I am  vocal against Putin and propaganda. I get it from my friends. 

 

And your Russian friends (presumably still living in Russia?) represents the wishes of the majority of Russians and knows what’s best for Russia?

 

If, on the other hand, they aren’t living in Russia, then they don’t have much authority, do they?

[still kicking]

6 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

And your Russian friends (presumably still living in Russia?) represents the wishes of the majority of Russians and knows what’s best for Russia?

 

If, on the other hand, they aren’t living in Russia, then they don’t have much authority, do they?

Yes Comrade.

[tgw]

22 hours ago, Jingthing said:

It's not about the current conflict or even the same countries.

 

Reagan's message is clear : surrendering for appeasement leads to more war. So, don't surrender.

 

Notice the irony of the situation : Reagan was one of USA's greatest presidents and arguably "won" the cold war.

 

And the Ruzzians mock Zelensky for being an actor.

Edited May 30 by tgw

[Gweiloman]

5 minutes ago, tgw said:

 

Reagan's message is clear : surrendering for appeasement leads to more war. So, don't surrender.

 

Notice the irony of the situation : Reagan was one of USA's greatest presidents and arguably "won" the cold war.

 

And the Ruzzians mock Zelensky for being an actor.

So you reckon that Zelensky’s a great president? Blimey, you do set your bar low. I guess you will be voting for either Sleepy Joe or Trump the perv as either of them are the best possible candidates ever?

[Gweiloman]

14 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Yes Comrade.

Spasiba.

[still kicking]

2 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Spasiba.

gern geschehen

[tgw]

3 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

So you reckon that Zelensky’s a great president? Blimey, you do set your bar low. I guess you will be voting for either Sleepy Joe or Trump the perv as either of them are the best possible candidates ever?

 

either you should take some logic classes, but I suspect you have used a sophism.

stupid or lying, which one is it ?

 

[daveAustin]

Absolutely not. He wants it because he is not getting anywhere and it is deeply unpopular at home. If you want peace, give back Crimea, take your army and FO!

[rabas]

13 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

And your Russian friends (presumably still living in Russia?) represents the wishes of the majority of Russians and knows what’s best for Russia?

 

If, on the other hand, they aren’t living in Russia, then they don’t have much authority, do they?

Most are currently in Russia but travel. I've also worked with some for many years on important projects. 

 

Your second assertion, that someone outside does not know much, is categorically wrong and literally backwards.  Like anyone, Russians with broader experience have better perspective, obviously. Especially in light of broad state propaganda at home.