The Kremlin is not making compromises: prospects for peace remain low

The chances of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia remain low, as the Kremlin shows no willingness to compromise and continues to insist on its initial military demands.

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Analysts note that even before the publication of the 20-point plan for the settlement of the war, the Russian authorities publicly rejected possible counter-proposals from Ukraine and European partners. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the initiatives developed during the negotiations in Miami would be “rather unconstructive” and would not improve any agreements.

ISW emphasizes that such rhetoric confirms Moscow’s unwillingness to change its position, despite the significant losses of the Russian army and minimal successes on the front.

US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said on Fox News on December 23 that “the ball is now in Russia’s court.” According to him, Moscow must respond to four documents that the US, Ukraine and European partners developed during recent consultations.

Whitaker emphasized that even large human and technical losses do not prompt the Kremlin to seek ways to end the war.

ISW analysts also note that Russia’s demands have not actually changed since 2022. The Kremlin continues to insist on the complete withdrawal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions, Ukraine’s abandonment of its course towards NATO accession, demilitarization and so-called “denazification”. Separately, Moscow demands international recognition of the annexation of Ukrainian territories and the complete lifting of Western sanctions.

It was previously reported that, according to intelligence data, the Russian army has been suffering significant losses in recent months, which are not offset by the replenishment of personnel.

As a reminder, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented details of a 20-point draft basic document on the end of the war between Ukraine, the United States, Russia, and the European Union.

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