Putin is interested in preserving power and capital, not in ending the war – political scientist Ihor Chalenko
The main goal of russian president vladimir putin remains holding on to power and multiplying his own capital and the fortunes of his inner circle. The kremlin is not yet considering a real end to the war, despite the worsening economy and strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Political scientist and head of the Center for Analysis and Strategies Ihor Chalenko said this in a comment to OstroV.
"Putin is interested in preserving power and further multiplying his own capital and that of his entourage. This is his main motive from a tactical point of view. Of course, he has imperial ideas about restoring russia’s positions. But first and foremost, he seeks to hold power in his hands and essentially build a dynastic vertical, involving his daughters in the shadow management of the state", - Chalenko explained.
He emphasized that russians and putin’s entourage are not interested in ending the war.
"Although their economy is deteriorating, although the Ukrainian Armed Forces are delivering serious strikes, including hitting 17% of russian oil refineries, the kremlin believes that strategically it will be able to turn the situation around and defeat Ukraine. That is why the process is being prolonged", - the political scientist noted.
It was previously reported that the tone of Donald Trump’s statements regarding russia ranges from symbolic gestures to threats of economic restrictions, but in recent months almost no real steps from the United States have been seen.