Italian
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated his intention to end the conflict in Ukraine through a definitive solution rather than a temporary ceasefire. Negotiations in Slovakia are on the table.
RUSSIA. Vladimir Putin returns to talk about peace, but as often happens in his statements, the words are chiseled with the skill of a chess player thinking five moves ahead. “We want to end the war, not freeze it”, said the Russian president, implying that Moscow will not accept a temporary truce, but only a definitive conclusion to the conflict in Ukraine. The question, however, arises spontaneously: at what price?
The proposal for negotiations in Slovakia, with the approval of the pro-Russian Prime Minister Robert Fico, seems like a calculated move to make Moscow appear as a willing party to dialogue, while missiles and drones continue to rain down on Ukrainian infrastructure on the battlefield. Is it a genuine offer or just a diversion to buy time and consolidate military positions?
Putin’s message seems to be addressed not so much to Kiev, but to Brussels and Washington. With Europe tired of a costly and divisive war and America preparing for the return of Donald Trump to the White House, the Kremlin appears to want to dictate the terms of future geopolitical balance.
However, there is one element that cannot be overlooked: for Russia, war is no longer just a special military operation, but a matter of political survival for Putin himself. Returning to the negotiating table from a position of strength means ensuring the internal narrative of a strategic victory.
2025 will be a decisive year. But if we really want to talk about peace, it cannot be dictated unilaterally by Moscow, nor passively accepted by the West. Diplomacy will have to run its course, but without illusions.
