The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly four years now, with no end in sight. The question on everyone's mind is whether Putin will accept a peace deal.
President Donald Trump claims that the 28-point peace plan for ending the conflict has been "fine-tuned" after talks with US and Ukrainian negotiators. However, the initial response from Russia has been lukewarm, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that any new proposal would need to be in line with what Putin thought he had reached in Alaska earlier this year.
The deal is seen as non-starter by Ukraine, which wants robust post-war security guarantees. The Ukrainians have little choice but to continue engaging with the US-led peace negotiations, despite their pessimism about a successful outcome.
Former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that no eternal peace between Russia and Ukraine will be achieved during Putin's lifetime, citing the impossibility of fighting an infinite war. He also thinks that even a temporary ceasefire may only buy time before Russia resumes its efforts.
Putin's own stance on the matter is unclear, but it appears that he has no hurry to settle the conflict. His rule looks remarkably stable despite the stresses caused by war and sanctions, and his succession plan remains a mystery.
The fact that Putin considers this war too important for Russia's future to give up now raises questions about whether peace is even possible with him at the helm. The US may not have enough leverage over him to secure an agreement, leaving everyone wondering if there will ever be a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The situation seems bleak, but one thing is certain: Ukraine and its allies must continue to hold out against Russia's relentless advances in order to preserve any hope of a negotiated settlement. Whether that happens before Putin finally gives up or remains in power indefinitely remains to be seen.
President Donald Trump claims that the 28-point peace plan for ending the conflict has been "fine-tuned" after talks with US and Ukrainian negotiators. However, the initial response from Russia has been lukewarm, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that any new proposal would need to be in line with what Putin thought he had reached in Alaska earlier this year.
The deal is seen as non-starter by Ukraine, which wants robust post-war security guarantees. The Ukrainians have little choice but to continue engaging with the US-led peace negotiations, despite their pessimism about a successful outcome.
Former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that no eternal peace between Russia and Ukraine will be achieved during Putin's lifetime, citing the impossibility of fighting an infinite war. He also thinks that even a temporary ceasefire may only buy time before Russia resumes its efforts.
Putin's own stance on the matter is unclear, but it appears that he has no hurry to settle the conflict. His rule looks remarkably stable despite the stresses caused by war and sanctions, and his succession plan remains a mystery.
The fact that Putin considers this war too important for Russia's future to give up now raises questions about whether peace is even possible with him at the helm. The US may not have enough leverage over him to secure an agreement, leaving everyone wondering if there will ever be a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The situation seems bleak, but one thing is certain: Ukraine and its allies must continue to hold out against Russia's relentless advances in order to preserve any hope of a negotiated settlement. Whether that happens before Putin finally gives up or remains in power indefinitely remains to be seen.