Putin at the Live Line: New Statements on War and Peace Conditions for Ukraine.

According to ТСН: Vladimir Putin during his annual 'Live Line' once again reaffirmed his military intentions regarding Ukraine.

Putin's Maximalist Statements

The dictator stated that Moscow is 'ready and willing to end the war', but only under the conditions he outlined during his speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in June 2024. Among his demands for a ceasefire agreement are the complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, as well as Kyiv's renouncement of NATO membership.

Furthermore, Putin emphasized that Russia's 'fundamental' position entails Ukraine's neutral status, demilitarization, and denazification.

According to ISW data, Putin reiterated many of the demands stated earlier, which contradict the 28-point US peace plan. For example, the American document called for the freezing of the war along front lines in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions and for the recognition of Luhansk, Donetsk regions, and Crimea as Russian territory de facto.

Putin's statements indicate his dissatisfaction with a peace agreement based on the 28-point proposal. He is only willing to agree to temporary compromises.

'His steadfast commitment to his initial maximalist war goals shows that he will not be satisfied with such an agreement and will continue to pursue his objectives in full even after signing the agreement. Any peace agreement must ensure a strong Ukraine with reliable security guarantees to establish lasting and sustainable peace, preventing a resurgence of Russian aggression. However, the Kremlin has repeatedly publicly and directly rejected such security guarantees,' the American Institute report states.

Putin's Statements on 'Victories' at the Front

ISW ANALYSTS believe that Vladimir Putin makes even more exaggerated statements about the victories of his troops than his generals. These statements are part of a Kremlin campaign aimed at portraying the capture of settlements that required significant effort and losses as easy successes of Russian forces.

'ISW estimates that Russian troops will need two or more years to capture the rest of the Donetsk region at significant costs at the current pace,' analysts emphasize.

Putin attempted to mask failures in Kupiansk by intensifying the narrative that successes in this city indicate the inevitability of Russian superiority. However, ISW records increasing evidence that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have liberated a significant part of Kupiansk.

'The Führer' claimed that these failed efforts should 'encourage' Kyiv to a peaceful end of the war, as Ukraine has 'practically' no strength left to participate in efforts in Kupiansk. Putin's statements are the latest in the Kremlin's cognitive warfare efforts aimed at portraying the Ukrainian defense as being on the brink of collapse, with Russia's victory as inevitable,' ISW notes.

Experts believe that these Kremlin steps are intended to pressure Ukraine and the West to capitulate to Moscow's demands due to fears of further offensives.

Putin also discussed issues related to elections in Ukraine, noting a willingness to end the war peacefully. At the same time, he added that there would be no new 'special operations' if Russia is treated with respect.

Additionally, the dictator expressed confidence in the capabilities of his troops in Donbas, claiming that his forces 'will take Konstantynivka' and that 700,000 troops are present in Ukraine.

These statements by Putin, filled with optimism and maximalism, indicate that he is not inclined to change his goals. The situation at the front remains tense, and his comments seem to highlight the serious discrepancies between the Ukrainian and Russian sides regarding potential conditions for a peaceful settlement. The continuation of military actions in Ukraine is also causing concern among the international community, which is watching developments with hope for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.