Kraven: Then Putin can agree to a truce

Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Sources: Putin demands for ceasefire - freeze current borders

Martin Palmborg,

Astrid Larsson

Updated 13.18 | Published 11.16

Russian President Putin is willing to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, according to Russian sources.

But the requirement is that occupied parts of the country remain under Russian control.

President Vladimir Putin may consider negotiating a ceasefire with Ukraine - if the country recognizes the current front lines. This is what four Russian sources told Reuters. Reuters.

- Putin can continue to fight as long as necessary, but Putin is also ready for a truce to freeze the war, says one of the sources, who is said to have insight into the conversations in the president's inner circle.

At the same time, Putin is said to have expressed frustration that there is no willingness to negotiate on the Ukrainian side. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has repeatedly said he will not agree to a ceasefire on Putin's terms.

            

            

           Vladimir Putin. 

           Ukrainian emergency services put out fires after a Russian attack on central Kharkiv.

           1 / 2Photo: Mikhail Metzel / AP

Concerns about Russian nuclear escalation

After a series of setbacks, the Russians opened a new front in Ukraine last week, when larger units went on the attack north of Kharkiv. The Russians have advanced and captured several villages recently.

However, three of the sources believe that Putin does not want a new national mobilization, which extensive advances would require.

According to Reuters sources, Putin rather wants to use Russia's small advantage to get the war "overwhelmed", with conquests large enough to be described as a victory.

The Russian president, meanwhile, is not prepared to end the war if Kiev or the West are not willing to negotiate a ceasefire. Two of Reuters' sources worry about a Russian nuclear weapons escalation.

Clouds of smoke rise into the sky in Kharkiv. Photo: Evgeniy Maloletka / AP

In June, Ukraine is expected to try to gather support at its own peace conference in Switzerland, where Russia is not allowed to participate.

The Ukrainian starting point is that Russia should not occupy or annex any part of the country, including the Crimean peninsula.