ISW explained whether Putin will engage in peace talks to end the war.

The Russian leader Vladimir Putin is unwilling to engage in peace talks with Ukraine regarding the cessation of hostilities. The head of the Kremlin has no intention to end military actions, but rather aims to completely obliterate Ukrainian statehood. During discussions with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, the Russian president stated that all objectives of his so-called "special military operation" would be achieved.

The fact that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will not enter negotiations with Ukraine is highlighted in a recent analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts noted the comments made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. In early October 2024, he had a conversation with Vladimir Putin for the first time in two and a half years. During their discussion, Vučić mentioned the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine.

In response, the Russian leader asserted that he would continue to pursue the goals of his "special military operation" in Ukraine. ISW analysts emphasize that these objectives entail the dismantling of Ukrainian statehood and government.

"Putin continues to make it clear that he is not interested in ceasefire negotiations, instead striving to achieve his goal – the destruction of Ukrainian statehood," stated the Institute.

Experts remind us that on July 5, during a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during his visit to Moscow, Putin explicitly dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire through negotiations.

ISW believes that a ceasefire under the current circumstances and at the present frontlines would only benefit Russia. It would allow the Kremlin to intensify the radicalization and militarization of Russian society against Ukraine, as well as give Russian forces time to regain strength, likely ahead of a new offensive operation.

Putin Increasingly Mentions Compromises

Russia supposedly seeks to resolve the conflict with Ukraine and is allegedly ready to seek and accept reasonable compromises. However, no exchange formats or negotiations with Kyiv are currently taking place. Moscow dictates that the outcome of any negotiations must be advantageous to the Russian Federation.

At the BRICS summit, the Russian leader claimed that he allegedly received a secret proposal for negotiations from Ukraine. This proposal was supposedly conveyed to the Russians by Turkish representatives. The Kremlin leader asserted that he allegedly agreed to it immediately, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the peace proposal the very next day. Putin added that Zelensky's victory plan supposedly undermines all paths leading to peace.