Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to have expressed a willingness to mediators for a ceasefire in Ukraine – provided that the occupied territories in the neighboring country are transferred to Russia. This is reported by the New York Times, citing representatives of Russia and the USA. There have been corresponding signals from Putin since “at least mid-September”.
Almost 20% of Ukrainian territory would be affected by Putin's condition. However, Putin backed away from his stance on calling for a change of government in Ukraine, writes the New York Times. This contradicts the official position of the Russian government.
At his annual press conference in mid-December, Putin confirmed that he would maintain the Russian war aims he had already declared at the start of the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Putin demanded at the time that the neighboring country be “demilitarized and denazified”.
Doubts about Putin's will
Ukraine has always rejected Russia's demands as a condition of peace because they would represent an extensive capitulation. Ukraine also wants to retake all areas that Russia has occupied since 2014, including Crimea.
According to the report, Putin had already signaled his readiness for a ceasefire a year earlier. Thus, the Russian President indicated at the time that he was satisfied with the extent of the conquered areas in Ukraine.
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However, the New York Times also refers to US representatives expressing doubts about Putin's will. Consequently, it could also be one of the Russian government's “well-known attempts” to divert public attention. Putin may change his mind again once the Russian military succeeds.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is said to have expressed a willingness to mediators for a ceasefire in Ukraine – provided that the occupied territories in the neighboring country are transferred to Russia. This is reported by the New York Times, citing representatives of Russia and the USA. There have been corresponding signals from Putin since “at least mid-September”.
Almost 20% of Ukrainian territory would be affected by Putin's condition. However, Putin retreated from his position to call for a change of government in Ukraine, writes the New York Times. This contradicts the official position of the Russian government.