Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to a ceasefire in Ukraine, signaling a potential shift in the ongoing conflict. Analysts suggest that the Kremlin's interest in negotiations may be a strategic move to influence Western support for Ukraine and extract concessions. Reports indicate that Putin views recent territorial gains as sufficient to declare a victory, thereby avoiding unpopular decisions such as increased military spending. Evening Standard Defence Editor Robert Fox and Charlie Rowley have weighed in, with Rowley suggesting that Russia's openness to a ceasefire shows its weakness. However, this potential ceasefire is met with skepticism from various quarters. Chatham House's Dr. Patricia Lewis highlights the dilemma faced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, noting that conceding at this stage could be seen as a betrayal to Ukrainians who have fought. Additionally, there are concerns about the morale and willingness of Ukrainian men to continue fighting, with only 35% of those not yet drafted willing to join the war effort. In one of the most anti-Russian regions, only 2% of those receiving draft notices actually show up. The situation on the ground remains dire, with many Ukrainian soldiers exhausted and uncertain about their ability to continue fighting despite new weapons. The possibility of a ceasefire, therefore, reflects both the strategic calculations of Russia and the challenging realities faced by Ukraine.
The Russians are signaling that they are open to a ceasefire as long as they get to freeze the frontlines and keep all the territory they have stolen from Ukraine. Ukraine knows Russia would only be willing to do this if things internally for were looking bad for Putin. My… https://t.co/9ihDdUHyII
In the interview with Espreso. Zahid, Ukrainian soldier Volodymyr Grenuch, current employee of the Lviv district military registration and enlistment office stated that only 2% of those receiving draft notices actually show up. This is one of the most anti-Russian regions. https://t.co/zfUwoJ1lAr
Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say Vladimir Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more… https://t.co/zVzx2ZMEJV
This Could Be the Moment Putin Wins the War in #Ukraine: “Many of the men fighting on the front are exhausted, and even with new weapons, they do not know how long they can continue to fight before being killed or wounded. Morale is at its lowest ebb” https://t.co/8nadiZirNZ
This very pro-Ukraine journalist for the Daily Beast explains just how grim the war is now for Kiev. While Western pundits beat their chests, only 35% of Ukrainian men not yet drafted are willing to go fight. And the reality is= far worse than that. https://t.co/HGu3XlAXmx https://t.co/o2uZX4nMZd
‘It would be a betrayal to Ukrainians who have fought if they give in at this stage’. Chatham House's Dr Patricia Lewis explains the dilemma Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces with the option of a ceasefire in Ukraine. https://t.co/NerdipPc9k
'I think this is a way of Russia trying to step back from the brink, calling it a win, when actually they've run out of gas.' Charlie Rowley says rumours that Putin is open to the idea of a ceasefire with Ukraine shows Russia is 'weak'. https://t.co/Ij3MA3ecWS
Putin will be feeling the sting of this latest Ukraine war milestone – but he’s still far from surrendering - analysis by Oliver Trapnell https://t.co/qYSaB3XSHx
'There's something going on. It's absolutely clear that this is not just a game from Putin to upset everybody.' Evening Standard Defence Editor, Robert Fox, wades in on reports Putin could agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. https://t.co/9xUZApoMwS
The Kremlin will continue to feign interest in negotiations at critical moments in the war to influence Western decision-making on support for Ukraine and to continue efforts to extract preemptive concessions from the West. (1/3) https://t.co/QVJxpRUxgC https://t.co/yQSvWGNj56