Putin Calls for Ceasefire Amid Ukraine Conflict Stalemate
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a willingness to halt the Ukraine conflict through a negotiated ceasefire that acknowledges the current battlefield lines, according to four sources familiar with discussions within Putin's circle. The sources indicated that Putin is prepared to continue fighting if Ukraine and the West do not engage in talks. Putin has expressed frustration to advisers about Western-backed efforts to delay negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's refusal to enter into talks.
The appointment of economist Andrei Belousov as Russia’s new defense minister is viewed as an indication of placing the Russian economy on a permanent war footing to sustain a prolonged conflict. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia is open to dialogue and does not desire an "eternal war," the likelihood of a ceasefire or peace talks appears remote. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Switzerland are preparing to host international talks next month aimed at unifying global opinion on how to end the war.
