Putin fears fate of Russia's last emperor Nicholas II executed after abdication, Kellogg says
Former special envoy of President of United States Keith Kellogg (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Russian President Vladimir Putin must realize that Russia is no longer capable of winning a war against Ukraine. However, he fears the fate of Nicholas II, the last Russian emperor who was executed after his abdication, former special envoy of the President of the United States, Keith Kellogg, said in an interview with Japanese television channel NHK.
Kellogg said Putin must acknowledge that "he's not going to gain any more land" when discussing what is needed for the fastest possible ceasefire.
He said Russia continues to suffer losses due to sanctions, noting that "sanctions are taking a bite" out of the Russian economy. According to him, Russia has probably suffered 1.2 million to 1.4 million killed or wounded.
The American general also said Putin is aware of the damage and losses caused by the war he launched and fears responsibility for his actions.
Kellogg noted that Putin is concerned that "he'll be another Nicholas II," pointing out that the last czar was shot dead after his abdication.
According to Kellogg, a ceasefire could be possible "today" if Ukraine and Russia freeze the conflict along the current front lines.
He also said it is Putin, not Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who does not want a ceasefire. Russia demands that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the Donbas region, while Ukraine refuses to cede territories under its control.
Trump says Putin is ready for peace, Zelenskyy is not
Recently, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, once again stated that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, allegedly prevents reaching a peace deal. According to him, Ukraine is rapidly losing bargaining positions, while the Kremlin is supposedly ready for dialogue.
Zelenskyy, in turn, responded that to end the war, the United States should put more pressure on Russia, not on him. In addition, security guarantees are needed that will form the basis of the peace agreement.
Ukrainian president also says that peace with Putin is necessary for Ukraine, regardless of his personal dislike for him.
