Page 24 - RusRPTFeb24

Kyiv and impeding President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's pursuit of backing for his peace proposal, which demands a complete Russian withdrawal. The sources, who preferred anonymity, mentioned that these messages were relayed to top U.S. officials through an undisclosed intermediary last month. According to them, Putin might contemplate relinquishing the demand for Ukraine's neutral status and might eventually not oppose its potential NATO membership—a prospect that Russia has consistently cited as a primary rationale for the invasion.
However, such concessions are expected to come with significant stipulations that Kyiv has categorically dismissed—specifically, the recognition of Kremlin sovereignty over territories it has occupied in recent years, which currently constitute approximately 18% of Ukraine, including areas annexed following the invasion's onset two years ago.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, responding to inquiries, stated that Russia remains open to dialogues concerning Ukraine and aspires to achieve its objectives through diplomatic means, failing which the military operation will persist until the fulfillment of these goals.
The U.S. National Security Council's spokeswoman, Adrienne Watson, acknowledged the lack of awareness regarding any shifts in Russia's stance and emphasized that any negotiations with Russia would be at Ukraine's discretion. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at the World Economic Forum, also voiced openness to discussions but noted the current absence of conducive conditions for such talks, emphasizing the need for Russia's willingness to negotiate in good faith and respect fundamental principles such as territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Publicly, Putin has not indicated any intention to halt military advancements at the current front lines, and Kyiv, with the support of the U.S. and its allies, remains committed to reclaiming all territories seized by Russian forces, a goal that aligns with Zelenskiy's political mandate.
24 RUSSIA Country Report February 2024 www.intellinews.com