Russia Exploits the Summit in Alaska: Why the Kremlin Refuses to Compromise.

According to ТСН: The Kremlin and Russian officials aim to exploit the uncertainty following the summit in Alaska to disguise their unwillingness to compromise. Statements from the Ukrainian side about the "root causes of the war" indicate Russia's determination to make maximum demands.

Reaction of Russian Officials

A new report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that American analysts are drawing attention to comments from high-ranking Russian officials regarding potential "peace plans" for Ukraine. In particular, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia's position will change if the updated peace plan "erases" the "spirit and letter" of the agreements reached at the summit.

The Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky emphasized the necessity of any peace settlement that would address the "root causes" of the war. He added that Russia has allegedly reached some "understanding" with Washington at this summit.

Unclear Circumstances of Negotiations

American analysts emphasize that the details of the US-Russian negotiations remain unclear, and official statements about reached agreements have not been published. Vladimir Putin, in turn, reiterated his focus on demands regarding the "root causes" of the war during a press conference.

"High-ranking Russian officials, including Putin, have responded to various proposals for a peace plan, reaffirming their commitment to the so-called US-Russian agreements made at the summit in Alaska. Previously, the Kremlin pointed to the Istanbul agreements of 2022, which clearly documented Russia's maximalist demands regarding Ukraine's capitulation, as their priority basis for any future agreements.

The Kremlin's Position and Future Prospects

Experts believe that the Kremlin is using the lack of public agreements to portray itself as a good-faith participant in negotiations willing to compromise. However, as noted in ISW, the persistent neglect of significant issues by Kremlin officials creates the impression that Russia continues to pursue its initial military objectives.

According to recent reports, a former high-ranking Kremlin official confirmed that the original 28-point peace plan was "pro-Russian," but some of its elements remain unacceptable due to the failure to meet previous Kremlin demands regarding the democratically elected government of Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Putin's position depends on the internal situation in Russia, considering the pressure of sanctions, and the possible reassessment of views in case the situation complicates.

It is important to note that Vladimir Putin and Kremlin officials continue to assert that their demands on Ukraine have not changed since the summit. Currently, Moscow has not offered any changes to its policy.

Analysts believe that the leak of the 28-point plan turned out to be beneficial for Putin. The previous plan proposed by the US was seen as supportive of Kremlin's interests, placing Ukraine in a difficult decision-making situation.

In this context, the developments concerning peace negotiations remain uncertain. The Kremlin is trying to save face on the international stage, but the number of statements and demands made by Russia currently indicates its inability to make concessions. The situation in Ukraine and the response of the international community to the actions of the Kremlin may significantly influence the further course of negotiations.