Putin wants ceasefire in Ukraine with current front lines

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to negotiate a ceasefire with Ukraine, but one that recognizes the current front lines of the conflict. The information was published this Friday (May 24, 2024) by the Reuters agency, which credits it to sources close to the Kremlin.

According to these sources, Putin would be open to negotiations, but also prepared to continue the fight if Kiev (Ukraine) and the West reject the proposal.

The sources also highlighted Putin’s frustration with allegedly Western-backed attempts to block talks and criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to rule out talks. “Putin can fight as long as necessary, but he is also ready for a ceasefire – to freeze the war”said one of the sources.

The appointment of economist Andrei Belousov as Russia’s defense minister on May 13 was seen by some as a sign of preparation for a protracted conflict. However, Kremlin sources suggest that Putin would prefer to capitalize on the current Russian momentum to end the conflict.

The war, which began on February 22, 2022, has already resulted in severe economic sanctions on Russia and Putin, re-elected on March 18, 2024 for a new 6-year term, appears to consider the territorial gains so far sufficient to declare victory for the people Russian.

The possibility of a new significant advance in the conflict, which would require another national mobilization, is something that Putin wants to avoid, especially considering the drop in popularity after the first mobilization in September 2022. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesman, reiterated that the Russia does not seek a “eternal war” and is open to dialogue to achieve its objectives.