Negotiations between Russia’s representatives and international mediators have once again reached a deadlock. The Kremlin continues to make ultimatum demands that have nothing to do with a genuine peace process. Sources familiar with the discussions say: Moscow is not seeking an agreement, but is only trying to drag out the war, hoping to change the international situation.
The meeting, which was supposed to be an important step in diplomatic efforts, turned into another spectacle. Russian representatives insisted on “territorial compromises,” effectively demanding recognition of the occupation of Ukrainian lands. At the same time, Russia did not provide any guarantees of security or refusal to continue aggressive actions.
Russia wants a “respite”, not peace
Analysts who observed the negotiations note that the Kremlin’s main goal is not peace, but a temporary respite. Any “truce” without restoring Ukraine’s territorial integrity will only postpone the next stage of the war.
Sources say that Russian representatives hinted at the possibility of “freezing” the conflict, following the example of the Korean Peninsula, which Kyiv and its allies believe is an unacceptable scenario.
“Moscow is not interested in ending the war. It wants to reformat it into a protracted conflict, counting on Western fatigue,” said a European diplomat who participated in the meeting.
Counting on political changes in the United States
The Russians have made no secret of their main strategy: waiting for political change in the United States. The Kremlin hopes that the new administration in Washington might revise its policy of supporting Ukraine or reduce military aid.
“The Russian side constantly emphasizes that the situation will change after the US elections. This shows that Moscow is not planning any real concessions now, but is only buying time,” said a U.S. official familiar with the negotiations.
At the same time, Washington sees such calculations as futile. Despite internal discussions, the Congress and the White House are sending clear signals: regardless of the political landscape, support for Ukraine will continue.
Delaying tactics and attempts to undermine the West
Moscow is deliberately adapting its tactics, playing on internal divisions in Western countries. The Kremlin is intensifying information campaigns aimed at dividing public opinion in Europe and the United States, while supporting pro-Russian political forces.
“Russia realizes that it has not achieved its strategic goals on the battlefield. Therefore, they are relying on political processes abroad: they are intensifying propaganda, working with populists, and trying to sow doubts about the expediency of supporting Ukraine,” the geopolitics expert explains.
Sanctions and military pressure remain effective
Despite the Kremlin’s attempts to play for attrition, sanctions and international support for Ukraine are working.
- The Russian economy is gradually weakening, forcing Moscow to look for workarounds to finance the war.
- Weapons supplies to Ukraine continue, allowing Kyiv to effectively defend itself and prepare counteroffensive operations.
- The West continues to expand its military assistance, in particular through the transfer of modern air defense systems and ammunition.
Russia does not want peace, and Ukraine will not make concessions
The meeting showed once again: The Kremlin has no intention of ending the war on terms that guarantee stability in the region. Its goal is to prolong the conflict, hoping for changes in world politics.
However, Ukraine and its allies understand these intentions. Kyiv will not make compromises that will only legalize Russian aggression. And the West, despite all the challenges, continues to support Ukraine, realizing that futile negotiations with the Kremlin will not stop the war – this is possible only through increasing pressure on Moscow.
