Why Putin rejected Ukraine ceasefire? Center for Countering Disinformation explains
Photo: Kremlin head Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Kremlin head Vladimir Putin has refused to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. He is likely betting on a summer offensive, according to the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), Andriy Kovalenko on Telegram.
"Putin has chosen war and rejected its end in favor of a summer offensive," he stated.
Putin’s refusal to cease fire in Ukraine
On the night of May 11, the Kremlin leader held a press conference during which he proposed resuming direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. He said that Moscow was allegedly ready to begin dialogue with Kyiv without preconditions and proposed holding meetings as early as May 15.
Putin rejected the proposal from Ukraine, the EU, and the US for a ceasefire starting May 12, claiming that his own proposal was a more realistic path to resolving the conflict. He added that on Sunday, May 11, he plans to discuss facilitating negotiations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
It is important to note that earlier, Ukraine, the US, and representatives of the "Coalition of the Resolute" warned that if the Kremlin refuses to implement a full and unconditional ceasefire, new sanctions could be imposed on Russia. In particular, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a final warning to Russia.
Russia's New Offensive in Ukraine
As RBC-Ukraine reported back in late March, Russia is likely preparing for a new offensive to strengthen its "negotiating positions."
New attacks are possible in northeastern Ukraine, including the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions, although they are unlikely to be as large-scale as previously reported by some Western media outlets.
As noted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia plans to increase its forces by 150,000 troops by 2025. This is equivalent to about 15 motorized rifle divisions.
