Putin told business in a closed conversation to prepare for a protracted war.

Putin is preparing Russia for a long war with Ukraine

Vladimir Putin continues to prepare his audience for a long war instead of real peace. This is reported by an analytical report from the Institute for the Study of War.

The latest statements from the Kremlin indicate the complexity of negotiations and the illegitimacy of Ukraine. This suggests that Russia expects a protracted war and peace only on its own terms.

«Putin's and other Kremlin officials' statements in recent days and weeks... reinforce the narrative that Russia expects a prolonged war in Ukraine and peace only on Russia's terms,» ISW stated.

Putin urged businessmen not to be naive and to prepare for a long war. He also does not expect a quick lifting of sanctions. Moscow believes that a prolonged war will bring them territorial and security benefits.

Analysts note that this rhetoric indicates that Moscow wants to win on its own terms, rather than end the conflict.

The next round of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia will take place in Riyadh on March 24, and the composition of the Russian delegation will change. Grigoriy Karasin and Sergey Beseida will attend the negotiations.

President Zelensky noted that the possibility of negotiations is not a big problem. He also does not rule out indirect negotiations mediated by the U.S. in Saudi Arabia.