The Situation in Ukraine and Putin’s Compromise: An Invitation to Discuss Paths to Peace

In recent hours, President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is open to a “reasonable compromise” to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. However, he made it equally clear that Russia would not make any concessions or engage in “trades” to bring an end to the ongoing military confrontation. “We are ready for a reasonable compromise, but I don’t want to go into details right now because there are no substantive negotiations,” Putin said in an interview with Russian state television following the recent BRICS summit in Kazan.

Putin’s words reflect a growing confidence in the Kremlin as Russian troops continue to consolidate their positions in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, signs of fatigue among some of Kyiv’s allies have begun to emerge. The BRICS summit, held in Kazan, marked the largest international gathering of heads of state on Russian soil since the invasion began in February 2022. While some attendees discussed the need for de-escalation, direct confrontations with Putin remained absent from the public eye.

Putin’s assertion that “any outcome should benefit Russia” and that negotiations must be based on “the realities forming on the battlefield” raises concern. This statement clearly refers to the occupied regions of Ukraine that Putin now illegally claims as Russian territory. Ukraine and its allies see no indication that Putin is prepared to end the invasion or pursue a peaceful compromise. President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently emphasized that Ukraine cannot accept a frozen conflict or trade territories for a ceasefire. However, with some international supporters encouraging him to outline terms for potentially ending the war, the pressure on Zelensky is mounting.

In the interview, Putin also suggested he has observed a shift in how Western countries view the conflict. “Yesterday, they were saying Russia had to suffer a strategic defeat,” Putin remarked. “Today, the rhetoric has already changed.” He also mentioned that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan presented new proposals regarding the protection of Black Sea shipping, though he has yet to review them.

These developments raise complex questions: When will this war come to an end, and in what way? Are compromises possible, and if so, at what cost? Or are we witnessing the beginning of a protracted conflict with an uncertain outcome? Many people in Ukraine and around the world are wondering how much longer this conflict will last and what realistic scenarios might exist for a lasting peace.

What is your perspective on the current situation? Do you believe there is a genuine chance for the war to end soon, or are we at the start of a longer, more challenging conflict? We invite you to share your views and join a lively discussion on the steps the international community might take to foster lasting peace.