Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to stop the war in Ukraine and negotiate a ceasefire that acknowledges the current frontlines, four Russian sources told Reuters. However, they added that Putin is ready to continue fighting if Kyiv and the West do not respond favorably.
Three sources with knowledge of the discussions within Putin’s inner circle reported that the veteran Russian leader expressed frustration to a select group of advisers over what he perceives as Western-backed efforts to block negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to halt the talks.
“Putin can fight as long as he wants, but he is also ready for a ceasefire to freeze the war,” said a fourth source, a high-ranking Russian official who has worked closely with Putin and is aware of discussions among top Kremlin officials. Due to the sensitivity of the issue, these sources requested anonymity.
Reuters interviewed a total of five individuals who have worked with Putin at high levels in the political and business sectors. The fifth source did not comment on the potential to “freeze” the war along current front lines.
Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, responding to a request for comment, reiterated that the Kremlin chief has consistently stated Russia is open to dialogue to achieve its goals, emphasizing that the country does not seek an “eternal war.”
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense of Ukraine did not respond to requests for comment.
Last week’s appointment of economist Andrei Belousov as Russia’s defense minister was interpreted by some Western military and political analysts as a move to align the Russian economy with a permanent war footing to secure victory in a protracted conflict. This decision came amid increased battlefield pressure and recent Russian advances.
However, sources indicated that Putin, who was re-elected in March for a new six-year term, would prefer to leverage Russia’s current momentum to conclude the war. They did not comment directly on the new defense minister.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Kosntantinos Menyktas
