Putin signals desire to freeze war: Comment from Ukrainian Intelligence
Image: Andrii Yusov, Main Directorate of Intelligence representative (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
"Russian regime does indeed want to end the war against Ukraine as quickly as possible. However, the war must be concluded on Ukraine's terms and in accordance with international law," said Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense, during a telethon broadcast.
What preceded
Yesterday, the American newspaper The New York Times reported, citing sources, that the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is allegedly sending "signals" to the West expressing a desire to freeze the war in Ukraine and initiate negotiations.
According to two former high-ranking Russian officials close to the Kremlin, as well as American and international officials, Putin proposes freezing hostilities along current front lines. Similar signals, they say, Putin had also sent a year earlier, in the fall of 2022.
"He is indeed ready to stop at the current positions. He does not want to retreat a single meter," said one of the former high-ranking Russian officials, conveying the message allegedly sent by the Kremlin.
What the Main Directorate of Intelligence says
According to Yusov, there is indeed a desire in Moscow for a quick end to the war, despite statements from Russian propaganda. Ukraine also desires this but on its own terms and following international law.
"Of course, they would like to end the invasion as soon as possible. The question is, on what terms. From the point of view of Ukrainian interests and international law: Russia is a criminal and must be punished. Ukraine is, of course, interested in ending this genocidal war, but with the restoration of our territorial integrity and the punishment of criminals," he said.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence representative also pointed out that similar publications in the Western press need to be monitored, and analyzed, conclusions drawn, and explanations given about the interests behind them. However, such materials also demonstrate that the West has not forgotten about Ukraine.
"Such materials are even good because they deny the fact that the world has forgotten about Ukraine. We see a whole series of materials dedicated to Ukraine on the front pages of leading publications. These are often debatable materials, and we must take our proactive position," Yusov added.
Recall that the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) explained the possible true motives behind Putin's "signals" to end the war in Ukraine.
