Russia has stated that the conflict in Ukraine will persist until its objectives are met, whether through military means or negotiations, with its intelligence chief asserting that these aims are close to being realized.
President Putin is pushing for Ukraine to completely withdraw from four eastern regions it considers its own, a demand rejected by Kyiv as tantamount to surrender.
President Zelenskyy has hinted at the possibility of a diplomatic ceasefire, while incoming US president Donald Trump has called for both sides to reach an immediate truce.
Speaking to Sky’s Stuart Ramsay, Mr Zelenskyy proposed that the conflict’s intensity could diminish if unoccupied regions of Ukraine were offered NATO membership, allowing negotiations for the return of the remaining areas later on.
He also mentioned the potential deployment of foreign troops in liberated parts of Ukraine until it could join NATO.
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Zelenskyy on how a ceasefire could work
‘Ukraine are on the verge of collapse’
The Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that Russia will persist with its operations until all presidential objectives are met, either through military action or negotiations. He stated that discussions are not currently taking place and emphasized the continuation of the campaign until goals are accomplished.
Dmitry Peskov
The head of Russia’s intelligence agency, Sergei Naryshkin, also expressed confidence in the near achievement of Russia’s objectives in Ukraine. He claimed Russia had the upper hand in all aspects and described the situation on the front lines as unfavorable for Kyiv, asserting that Ukrainian armed forces are close to collapse.
Russia had initially aimed to swiftly capture all of Ukraine when it invaded in February 2022, but due to Ukraine’s strong opposition, this objective has been significantly scaled back, although Russia has made gradual gains in recent months.
Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s foreign intelligence agency, in 2022. Pic: Reuters
‘Stop the madness’ – Trump
President-elect Trump has pledged to swiftly end the conflict and initiate negotiations. On social media, he indicated that President Zelenskyy and Ukraine are eager to reach a resolution and halt the chaos.
Advocating for an “immediate ceasefire”, he urged action from Vladimir Putin, suggesting that China could assist in addressing the situation while the world awaits a resolution.
Donald Trump met President Zelenskyy at the Notre-Dame reopening on Saturday. Pic: AP
In an interview with NBC News, Mr Trump refrained from confirming any communication with Russia’s leader to avoid disrupting negotiation efforts. He also engaged in discussions with Ukraine’s leader during the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, describing it as constructive but emphasizing the need for a sustained and just peace in Ukraine.
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What would Russia settle for?
Recently, Ukraine received authorization to use missiles provided by the US and UK to target sites within Russia, prompting Moscow to retaliate with a new type of hypersonic missile. Despite holding territory in Russia’s Kursk region following a surprise incursion in August, Kyiv is now believed to be receiving assistance from North Korean troops near the front lines.
Official casualty figures are scarce, but President Zelenskyy disclosed that 43,000 Ukrainian personnel have died and 370,000 have been injured. He claimed that 198,000 Russian soldiers have also perished, a number not acknowledged by the Kremlin.
Mr. Zelenskyy’s statements were likely prompted by Donald Trump’s assertion that 400,000 Ukrainians had been “lost” in the conflict, adding that close to 600,000 Russian soldiers are either wounded or deceased.