It took just hours after communications from European leaders—some of whom visited Kiev—concerning the war in Ukraine for Moscow to respond.
They had cautioned Moscow that, without an unconditional 30-day ceasefire starting Monday, additional sanctions against Russia and increased military assistance for Ukraine would follow.
As noted by BBC’s Steve Rosenberg, the editor-in-chief for Russia affairs, President Putin does not typically respond favorably to ultimatums.
In remarks made late Saturday, Vladimir Putin expressed willingness for direct negotiations with Ukraine but criticized European powers for their “crude manner” and ultimatums in dealing with Russia.
All eyes remain on Istanbul, where—barring an unlikely turn of events—the meeting is set for Thursday, despite Ukraine’s reaction.
Importantly, as the BBC highlights, there will be no immediate ceasefire, which is Europe’s primary demand.
But does Vladimir Putin genuinely seek peace? The editor reflects on this, noting that while he claims to want it, it must be on Russia’s terms. There are questions about whether the Kremlin’s offer is a legitimate peace initiative or merely a strategy to buy time and extend the conflict.
Furthermore, could this proposal also be an attempt by Russia to fracture the Western coalition supporting Ukraine?
Moscow believes it has little to gain from a 30-day ceasefire, especially since it feels it holds the advantage on the battlefield in Ukraine. However, it doesn’t want to be perceived as obstructing peace efforts.
At the same time, the Kremlin aims to preserve a positive relationship with the Trump administration, which it is striving to strengthen.
If the US-Russia relationship continues to improve, the Kremlin hopes for quick relief from sanctions and an economic boost.
By proposing direct talks in Istanbul, the BBC suggests, President Putin is signaling to the White House: “I am a man of peace.” Yet, without a ceasefire, it seems likely that Russia will persist in its military actions and further attempt to occupy Ukrainian territory.
Following Putin’s announcement, President Trump praised it as a “tremendously important day for Russia and Ukraine.” In contrast, Emmanuel Macron described Putin’s suggestion as a “first step, but insufficient,” asserting that no negotiations could take place before an unconditional ceasefire. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also found the proposal lacking.
Thus, despite European objections, particularly from the French president, support from Washington placed the Kremlin in a position where it had to navigate between US interests and European leaders, with the US ultimately shouldering the greater burden.
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