Putin is open to talks about a ceasefire, Russian sources told Reuters.
But that assumes that the current front lines remain.
– I raised at least one eyebrow, says lieutenant colonel Joakim Paasikivi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is open to ceasefire negotiations, four Russian sources say Reuters.
One of the conditions is that the current front lines against Ukraine must be frozen.
– It is in line with what Putin has said all along, says Lieutenant Colonel Joakim Paasikivi.
The Russian move comes close after Volodymyr Zelensky’s latest peace initiative – something that is expected by Russia, according to Paasikivi.
– Then come the Russian statements.
Requires
In order for the negotiations to possibly take place, Putin therefore demands that the conversation be based on the current front lines.
– And it depends on Ukraine giving up Crimea and the four annexed counties – Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, Luhansk and Donetsk, says Joakim Paasikivi.
According to the lieutenant colonel, this is not the first time that Putin has “opened up” to peace talks.
– Based on what he previously said, he is always open to it.