Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected any peace talks with Ukraine and demands its full surrender before agreeing to a ceasefire, according to the latest report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Putin's Strategy
According to the ISW, Putin's stance suggests he believes Russia can achieve victory through a prolonged conflict, undermining Western support for Ukraine and wearing down Ukrainian forces.
This approach was put on full display in his statements during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on July 4.
Putin dismissed any meaningful negotiations for a ceasefire, insisting on the "irreversible demilitarization" of Ukraine as a prerequisite.
This effectively demands Ukraine's surrender before any ceasefire can be considered.
Rejection of Negotiations
The ISW report notes that instead of showing interest in peace talks, Putin outright rejected any negotiation process.
He has previously suggested the West could be a partner in ceasefire negotiations, aiming to pressure them into concessions on Ukrainian sovereignty.
But he has now dismissed all potential mediators, including the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, which he had earlier recognized as a legitimate negotiating body.
Putin's demands include Ukraine agreeing to irreversible demilitarization measures, claiming that Russia cannot allow Ukraine to use a ceasefire to rebuild its forces.
The ISW analysts believe Putin would use any ceasefire to restore and expand Russian forces, further mobilizing for future aggression aimed at Ukraine's destruction.
Ukrainian Response
In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called for permission to strike targets within Russian territory and for more ammunition to change the situation in the war.
