Putin Expresses Interest in Cease-Fire with Ukraine under Conditions of Seized Territory
Russian President Vladimir Putin has privately expressed interest in peace talks with Ukraine, according to a report from The New York Times. However, Putin’s interest in a cease-fire comes with the condition that Russia can maintain control of the territories it has seized in Ukraine.
The report revealed that Putin has considered a cease-fire multiple times since the early weeks of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, talks of a cease-fire fell through after Russia’s brutal acts against civilians and soldiers in Ukraine. Despite this, Putin has shown renewed interest in a cease-fire as the war approaches its two-year mark.
US and international officials have received messages about Putin’s interest in peace talks, with the condition that Russia would keep the nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory that has been occupied. However, it’s unclear if Ukraine would accept a cease-fire under such conditions, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly vowed to reclaim all territory seized by Russia.
While Putin has privately expressed interest in peace talks, his public message remains one of determination and persistence in achieving Russia’s goals in Ukraine. In a recent news conference, Putin stated that there would be no cease-fire until Russia’s goals are achieved, making it clear that the conflict in Ukraine is far from over.
The interest in peace talks from Putin’s side contrasts with the skepticism of US and Western officials, who remain doubtful that Russia would honor any agreements. Despite the ongoing conflict and differing views on a potential cease-fire, the situation in Ukraine remains complex and uncertain.