True peace in Ukraine impossible under Putin, says Canadian general—concessions only delay war.

Ukraine’s conflict and the international response

According to UATV: Christopher Coates, former commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, argues that lasting peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved while Vladimir Putin remains in power. He emphasizes that any territorial concessions by Kyiv would merely freeze the fighting temporarily, without addressing the root causes of the war. This perspective reflects a growing consensus among global analysts assessing Russia’s aggression and the prospects for a resolution in Ukraine.

Growing dissent inside Russia

Meanwhile, an increasing number of public figures in Russia are openly criticizing the Kremlin for its war against Ukraine. Notably, deputy Vyacheslav Markhayev has called on Vladimir Putin to present a clear plan to end the conflict, stating:

“Putin, we are on the verge of social collapse.” — Vyacheslav Markhayev

Other Russian politicians, including Renat Suleymanov and Ilya Remeslo, have also voiced support for ending the war.

Against this backdrop, Estonia has proposed that the European Union ban the export of alumina to Russia—a move that would mark another step in countering Kremlin aggression. These developments signal rising discontent and a desire for change within Russian society, as well as the international community’s readiness to respond to the situation in Ukraine.

Coates’ remarks underscore the complexity and protracted nature of the war in Ukraine, which experts believe cannot be resolved without a change in Russia’s leadership. At the same time, growing criticism of the Kremlin from Russian officials points to internal turmoil that could influence future decisions about the conflict. Estonia’s proposed sanctions also highlight intensified international pressure on Russia, potentially becoming a key factor in shaping events in the region.