Russia has not changed its goals regarding Ukraine and is not interested in honest negotiations, - ISW
Russia is seeking a temporary cease-fire in order to build up its forces, restore the army, and in the future continue aggression at an even greater pace.
Analysts of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) write about this, Censor.NET informs.
Analysts drew attention to the Politico material, where an unidentified representative of the Biden administration reported that the US leadership and European officials are shifting their focus from supporting Ukraine's complete victory over Russia to improving Ukraine's position in alleged possible negotiations with the Russian Federation to end the war. The publication also notes that such negotiations will most likely force Ukraine to cede territory to Russia.
In addition, it is known that on December 27, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the West intended to freeze the war in Ukraine and then present it as a victory, and rhetorically asked what victories the United States had achieved in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq. after trying the same. Such a reference by Lavrov indicates that he considers the West's discussion about freezing the war and preparations for possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia as the West's readiness to admit the defeat of Ukraine.
Lavrov's statement is also consistent with recent statements by Russian officials that Russia is not interested in freezing the war or engaging in honest negotiations and will continue to pursue its goals of "demilitarizing Ukraine."
"Earlier, ISW assessed that a temporary ceasefire would likely give the Russian military time to prepare for renewed aggression against Ukraine and that Russia would ultimately still maintain the same maximalist goals for this renewed aggression," the analysts said.
