Putin seeks to prolong war, unlikely to agree to any ceasefire – ISW
www.pravda.com.ua
Sat, 15 Mar 2025 06:30:38 +0200
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has not considered the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine and has been trying to prolong the process of any peace agreements.
Source Institute for the Study of War ISW Details ISW analysts noted that the Kremlins statements following Putins meeting with Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, on 13 March confirm his unwillingness to support the US and Ukraines ceasefire initiative.
Instead, the Kremlin seeks to prolong the talks process or, if it agrees to a temporary truce, use it to allow Russian troops to rest and rearm.
ISW believes that Putin is most likely to violate any peace agreement and blame Ukraine for its noncompliance.
Quote Putins recent calls for a direct phone call with Trump are only the latest development in Putins efforts to posture Russia and the United States as equals on the global stage.
Russian insider sources recently claimed that Putin aims to protract negotiations about a possible temporary ceasefire, and Putins recent public statements are consistent with these insider claims. Details US intelligence believes that Putin remains committed to the idea of seizing Ukraine, which is consistent with ISWs longterm assessments of his strategic goals.
The Washington Post, citing classified US intelligence documents, reported that Putin continues to seek control over Ukraine. Four representatives of Western intelligence and two members of the US Congress stated in an interview with NBC on 18 February that there is no evidence of Putins willingness to engage in genuine peace talks.
According to ISWs assessments, the Kremlin adheres to its longstanding expansionist plans for Ukraines full capitulation, despite talks with Donald Trumps administration.
To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 14 March ISW has observed no geolocated evidence to indicate that Russian forces have encircled a significant number of Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast or elsewhere along the frontline in Ukraine.
Putin seized on a statement by US President Donald Trump about the supposed encirclement of Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast to distract from his recent rejection of the USUkrainian ceasefire proposal.
Kremlin statements following Putins meeting with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on 13 March underscore Putins rejection of the USUkrainian ceasefire proposal and continued unwillingness to engage in good faith negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.
Russian forces marginally advanced towards the international border in Kursk Oblast on 14 March, but Ukrainian forces still maintain limited positions in Kursk Oblast.
Consistent Ukrainian strikes against Russian air defence assets are reportedly allowing Ukrainian longrange drones to increasingly penetrate the Russian air defense umbrella in deep rear areas, including in Moscow Oblast.
The Ukrainian military reorganised the Ukrainian 3rd Separate Assault Brigade into the 3rd Army Corps, further showcasing Ukraines force efforts to transition to a corps structure.
Ukraines European allies continue to provide military assistance and technical support and demonstrate interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced in Toretsk and near Siversk and Pokrovsk.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon
Latest news
more news