Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a readiness to enter into a ceasefire that would effectively “freeze” the current war in Ukraine along existing battle lines, suggesting a turning point that could entrench recent territorial gains made by Russian forces. According to sources close to the Kremlin, President Putin has shown frustration over what he views as obstructions from the West to negotiation efforts and has stressed the need for talks that reflect “realities on the ground.”
This comes against the backdrop of a continued Russian offensive in the east of Ukraine, including the Kharkiv region, where Russian forces have claimed control over several settlements. However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained steadfast in his position, ruling out the idea of a ceasefire on Putin’s terms, which he has reiterated would only benefit the Russian strategy and potentially allow them to consolidate power in the captured regions.
Putin’s readiness for a ceasefire, as reported by Reuters and cited by four Russian sources, comes with the stipulation of recognizing the recent Russian territorial acquisitions, a condition likely to be unacceptable to Kyiv and its allies. “Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire – to freeze the war,” one source asserted. Putin’s stance on the legitimacy of President Zelensky’s government adds a layer of complexity to the potential for negotiations. Putin has publicly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy following the expiry of his term, which has been dismissed by Ukrainian officials as false information.
Russia will respond in kind if Western countries unlawfully utilize its assets, stated Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, as reported by the TASS news agency on Saturday. Siluanov was addressing the intentions of the Group of Seven (G7) advanced industrialized democracies to allocate funds from seized Russian assets to aid Ukraine.
The prospect of a ceasefire, suggested by Putin, appears distant as Zelensky remains committed to retaking territories lost to Russia, including Crimea. Zelensky’s decree from 2022 formally declares any talks with Putin as “impossible.”
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine-Russia news – live: Putin ‘ready to freeze war’ but says Zelensky has no legitimacy after term expiry , Yahoo! Voices, 05/25/2024
– Russia Ukraine war latest: Putin ‘ready to freeze war’ but says Zelensky has no legitimacy after term expiry, The Independent, 05/25/2024
– Putin Wants Ukraine Ceasefire On Current Frontlines, i24NEWS, 05/24/2024
– Vladimir Putin ready to ‘freeze’ war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say, Sky News, 05/24/2024
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