Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that hostilities could stop if Ukrainian forces withdraw from their current positions. However, Ukraine rejects such terms and insists the contact line remains unchanged.
Experts point out that discussions are ongoing in the Kremlin about ending the war, with economic pressure and internal tensions motivating a search for compromise. Meanwhile, many of Ukraine’s Western partners oppose the freezing of the conflict due to the risk of lifting sanctions and the division of frozen Russian assets.
The discussion mentions the impact of a corruption scandal in Kyiv and the interests of the US, Europe, and China in the resolution of the conflict. Internal strife within the Kremlin, the possibility of leaked recordings, and the role of different political factions are also highlighted.
Closed diplomatic consultations continue, but no breakthrough is expected soon. Russia, despite economic hardship, is not ready for significant concessions. China has shown interest in stabilizing the situation, while European countries are cautious about security guarantees.
Experts predict the next phase of talks will occur after the New Year, with outcomes depending on Russia’s economic resilience and both sides’ willingness to compromise.
