Putin's statements about negotiations aimed at weakening Western support before Peace Summit: ISW
Photo: Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has purportedly expressed readiness for negotiations with Ukraine ahead of the Peace Summit. The aim of these statements was reportedly to undermine Western support for Ukraine, according to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
As noted in the report, Putin deliberately voiced his ultimatum regarding so-called peace negotiations on the eve of the Peace Summitto undermine Western support for Ukraine's legitimate demands against Russia and divert attention from achieving international consensus.
According to analysts, Putin's ambiguous statements were aimed at drawing attention from other countries that had not invited Russia to the summit. Several Western leaders, including US Vice President Kamala Harris, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, acknowledged Russia's attempt to disrupt the summit's purpose and focus discussions on Russia's absence.
Putin's ultimatum on negotiations was also echoed by Russian officials. ISW noted that Russian officials typically feign interest in negotiations during critical moments of the war.
Analysts believe that pressuring Ukraine into negotiations with Russia will not lead to a long-term resolution of the conflict but will only give Putin additional time to further optimize and prepare the Russian military machine.
Putin's statements before the Peace Summit
A day before the start of Ukraine's Peace Summit, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made several statements, including proposing peace negotiations. He claimed to be making a "real peace proposal" to Ukraine, which effectively amounted to an ultimatum for capitulation.
For more details on Putin's statements and why they are unacceptable to Ukraine, read our article.
