Russia could agree to a temporary ceasefire but demand an end to arms supplies to Ukraine in return. Experts warn that the Kremlin could use the talks to strengthen its position.
This was reported by URA-Inform, citing the ISW report.
Russia May Use Ceasefire to Put Pressure on US
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russia may “formally” support the idea of a temporary ceasefire, but at the same time put pressure on the United States to reconsider the terms of the agreement with Ukraine.
Western sources say the Kremlin is intent on dragging out the negotiations to ensure its demands are “taken into account.” Possible conditions include a limitation or complete halt to military aid to Ukraine. However, it remains unclear whether this would apply only to individual countries or to all international arms supplies.
Negotiations without Ukraine
Experts note that Russia may seek to exclude Ukraine from the negotiating process by engaging directly with the United States. The Kremlin, according to analysts, views the ceasefire as a way to strengthen its military and diplomatic position.
ISW stresses that Russia will likely present “unfeasible conditions” that Ukraine will not be able to agree to. One source noted: “Moscow wants to negotiate on its own terms, excluding Kyiv from the process.”
Thus, a temporary ceasefire may become not a step towards peace, but a tactical tool for Russia to achieve strategic goals.
We also reported on what the Kremlin said following the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia.