NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that, despite its great efforts, Russia will not be able to achieve its goals in Ukraine. With its full-scale invasion, Russia aimed to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and the EU, but Ukraine is closer to NATO and the EU than ever. Putin has lost Ukraine forever, Stoltenberg said. At the same time, he sees no signs that the dictator will change his goals and policies.
However, the NYT writes that Putin is expressing his readiness for a truce through diplomatic channels, which would stop hostilities at the current positions.
The ISW comments that Putin may demand a temporary ceasefire, which will benefit Russia, as it will give his military time to prepare for a new round of aggression against Ukraine.
The German ambassador in Moscow does not see any changes in the Russian president’s position and believes that he does not plan to conduct peace negotiations.
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that Putin will not be satisfied with a partial victory and will continue until he has full control of the country.