Russian dictator putin is not willing to compromise in peace negotiations regarding territories, peacekeepers, and Ukraine’s neutrality. Bloomberg reports this, citing representatives of Western intelligence services, as informed by Forbes.
This stance by the kremlin complicates U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempts to achieve a realistic end to the war.
Putin is deliberately setting “maximalist” demands before peace talks, knowing that they will be unacceptable to Ukraine and European countries, the publication’s sources say.
Among russia’s key conditions are international recognition of the Ukrainian territory seized by moscow, Ukraine’s commitment to neutrality, and the rejection of European peacekeepers.
Intelligence officials note that the russian leader is prepared to continue hostilities if his goals are not met.
This assessment casts doubt on the seriousness of putin’s intentions to negotiate a realistic and lasting peace. It also contradicts Trump’s statements, as he expressed confidence at the White House on Friday that putin seeks peace.
“Such a position by putin could lead to Ukraine being blamed for the failure of negotiations if Zelensky refuses to accept terms that contradict the country’s interests and continues fighting with the support of European allies”, - the agency noted.
Previous reports indicate that the kremlin expects the U.S. to inform russia of the results of negotiations with Ukraine, possibly through Whitcoff.