ISW: Putin uninterested in negotiated peace, wants Ukraine’s capitulation

Kremlin-linked oligarch Malofeev claims Putin will only accept peace talks if Ukraine surrenders and the US renews a ban on ATACMS strikes in Russia and removes Zelenskyy.

Dec 3, 2024 - 06:00

ISW: Putin uninterested in negotiated peace, wants Ukraine’s capitulation

Presidents Donald Trump of the US and Vladimir Putin of Russia.

According to a 2 December report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Konstantin Malofeev, a Kremlin-affiliated oligarch and founder of the ultranationalist Tsargrad outlet, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not consider peace talks unless Ukraine surrenders and the US makes significant concessions.

US President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on 20 January, has previously promised to secure a peace deal in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war “within 24 hours” and halt US aid, while his aides suggested a de facto freeze in the conflict – a move potentially allowing Russia time to reconstitute its forces and renew its offensive.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Malofeev emphasized that the Kremlin would only engage in negotiations if the US reverses its policy allowing Ukraine to use Western-provided long-range weapons, such as ATACMS, to strike inside Russia. He also insisted that any peace plan would require the removal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a meeting between Putin and US President-elect Donald Trump to “discuss” European security and the growing Russian-Chinese alliance.

Malofeev further claimed that the war in Ukraine has bolstered Russia’s ties with China, Iran, and North Korea, while also revitalizing the country’s economy and defense industry. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that Russia’s economy is facing growing pressure from inflation, international sanctions, and labor shortages, which could lead to serious economic challenges in 2025 if the war continues at its current pace.

“Putin and other senior Russian officials have recently issued similar statements. Malofeev’s interview further indicates that the Kremlin is not interested in good faith negotiations, no matter who mediates such talks,” ISW says.

The remarks from Malofeev, who wields significant influence within Russian ultranationalist circles despite not holding an official government position, underscore the Kremlin’s hardline stance toward potential peace negotiations. ISW reports that Malofeev’s comments align with the broader view within the Russian leadership that rejects any peace plan unless it leads to Ukrainian capitulation.

The Institute for the Study of War also highlights that, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has acknowledged the need for future diplomatic efforts to end the war and recover occupied territories, including Crimea, Malofeev’s statements further suggest that Putin remains committed to military objectives rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!