Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to freeze the war with Ukraine as a starting point for peace negotiations, according to several international media sources. The current front line has been identified as a potential area for ceasefire. However, Kiev remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions, with sources in Moscow suggesting that he is only interested in ending the war for superficial reasons.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has accused Putin of attempting to sabotage a peace summit in Switzerland, stating that the Russian president is continuing to show aggression towards Ukraine. Kuleba believes that only a unified international effort can force Putin to prioritize peace over war, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland.
In a press conference in Minsk, Putin reiterated that Russia has never refused to participate in peace negotiations. However, he raised concerns about the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whose presidential mandate expired on May 20. Martial law is currently in effect in Ukraine, and presidential elections scheduled for this year have been postponed.
The situation surrounding the war in Ukraine remains tense, with Putin’s intentions and the legitimacy of Ukraine’s leadership being hotly debated. The international community is closely monitoring the developments and preparing for the upcoming peace summit.