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According to information obtained by Reuters and revealed on May 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly willing to engage in a ceasefire that would make the current battlefield positions official. However, if such an agreement is not reached with Ukraine and its international supporters, Russia is prepared to continue the conflict, sources familiar with the situation stated.
A senior Russian figure familiar with the leader remarked to the news agency, “Putin can endure the battle indefinitely, yet he is equally prepared for a ceasefire—to halt hostilities,” while requesting anonymity.
Such claims have not been independently corroborated by The Kyiv Independent.
Direct discussions regarding peace have not occurred between Ukraine and Russia since some unsuccessful negotiations in early spring 2022.
For any discussion to move forward, Ukrainian officials have firmly stated that Russia must withdraw completely, aligning with one of the points of Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan introduced by President Volodymyr Zelensky in fall 2022.
Reuters was in touch with five sources from Russia, with three indicating that Putin was aggravated by what he perceives as Western interference in efforts to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the peace table.
The sources also suggested that Putin is aware that significant military gains would necessitate additional conscription in Russia—a measure he is inclined to evade due to worries about domestic instability.
In response to inquiries about the reports, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisted that Russia was ready for dialogue, emphasizing that the country does not aspire to a perpetual state of conflict.
Recently, Ukrainian officials remarked that they anticipate the resolution of Russia’s full-scale conflict to occur through negotiations, but a ceasefire that acknowledges Russian control over the territories it currently occupies is unlikely to be acceptable to Kyiv.
Ukraine, instead, advocates for its peace initiative, and a global summit focusing on Zelensky’s peace formula is planned to be held in Switzerland the following month.
Oleksandr Lytvynenko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, stated on May 20, “We are on a genuine diplomatic path that has a strong potential of leading to a fair peace,” adding, “What we require is a long-lasting peace that ensures Ukraine’s development for decades, which involves security guarantees.”
There have been previous speculations similar to the ones Reuters reported, with Bloomberg in January saying that Kremlin-adjacent sources revealed Putin’s indications to the West about his openness to compromise concerning Ukraine’s NATO prospects in exchange for territorial concessions.
However, Putin has not publicly expressed such a willingness to compromise.
Russia’s current assault into Kharkiv Oblast is challenging the Ukrainian military’s capabilities.
The offensive, starting on May 10, has taken advantage of Ukraine’s forces’ limitations, forcing them to prioritize their defense areas. Two weeks in, a faction of Russian troops has reached Vovchansk’s urban areas, engaging in combat there.
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FAQ Section
- What has President Putin proposed regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine?
President Putin is rumored to be willing to agree to a ceasefire that would recognize the current front lines as official boundaries, according to anonymous sources speaking with Reuters. - What conditions have Ukraine set for peace negotiations with Russia?
Ukrainian officials have made clear that any peace negotiations should result in a full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territories, following Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan. - Has the Kremlin commented on the reports of Putin being open to a ceasefire?
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia is open to dialogue and stressed that Russia is not seeking an “eternal war.” - Will Ukraine accept a ceasefire that acknowledges Russia’s claims to territories it currently controls?
It is highly unlikely that Ukraine will agree to a ceasefire that legitimizes Russia’s territorial gains, as Ukrainian officials emphasize the need for a sustainable peace that ensures their country’s development for decades. - Are there any forthcoming diplomatic events related to the Ukraine-Russia conflict?
A global summit is scheduled to take place in Switzerland next month, centered around President Zelensky’s peace formula, to push forward the diplomatic track toward a resolution.
Conclusion
The possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine, correlated to the current battlefront demarcations, represents a strategic maneuver by Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed to solidify territorial gains. While this proposal aligns with Russia’s apparent aversion to extending conscription due to domestic concerns, it stands in contrast to Ukraine’s uncompromising stance on the complete withdrawal of Russian forces. With Kyiv continuing to advocate for President Zelensky’s peace plan and upcoming diplomatic efforts, the path toward sustainable peace in the region remains arduous and contingent upon both dialogue and the persistent influence of international actors.
Note: The information in this article is based on rephrased content from various sources, including Reuters reports and statements by Ukrainian officials. The UBJ does not claim originality or ownership and provides the original source link for reference.