Putin hasn’t changed his demands and seeks capitulation of Ukraine: negotiations are impossible right now — Pavlo Lakiichuk
There are no real prerequisites for negotiations between Ukraine and russia or for a ceasefire at the moment, since the kremlin’s demands remain unchanged and are aimed at the actual capitulation of Ukraine. This was stated in a comment to OstroV by the head of security programs at the Center for Global Studies “Strategy XXI”, retired captain first rank of the Ukrainian Navy, Pavlo Lakiichuk.
“I proceed from simple logic from the very beginning. A ceasefire is possible when one side dominates and can force the other to stop resisting or advancing. There is no such situation”, - Lakiichuk emphasized.
He noted that russia has not softened its demands, but merely changes the wording: “Has putin changed his demands? No. He only formulates them differently. Neither Pokrovsk nor Sloviansk is his goal. His goals are far more extensive. He is willing to sit at the negotiating table only to discuss in what form Ukraine accepts his demands — essentially capitulates”.
According to the expert, Ukraine cannot conduct negotiations under such conditions: “We are not ready to talk under such conditions. Another matter is that we must talk with partners about how to force russia to comply with international law and withdraw from our territory”.
Lakiichuk also commented on the statement by Ukrainian leadership about readiness for a ceasefire along the line of hostilities.
“Our leadership has met Trump’s demands and says: ‘We are ready for a ceasefire along the line of hostilities’. They have reached their limit. Beyond that is capitulation. The russians have not even approached that limit. Between these positions is an abyss”, - he said.
Speaking about the impact of strikes on russian oil refineries, the expert stated that this does not force the kremlin to change its approach.
“They complicate putin’s ability to wage the war, there is less money. But you know, there is a russian joke: a worker comes home, the son says: ‘Vodka doubled in price, does that mean you’ll drink less now?’ He replies: ‘No, now you will eat less’. Putin will find money for the war. He doesn’t care about the russian people”, - Lakiichuk added.
In his opinion, the only factor that could theoretically break the position of the russian leadership is internal turmoil within russia itself: “What can change the situation? Some internal unrest in russia. If it happens — good, it could turn something around. Will it happen? I don’t know”.