Kathrine Frich
For now, Putin has no incentive to talk. only to keep advancing.
For now, Putin has no incentive to talk. only to keep advancing.
High Hopes But No Progress
Following the recent White House summit on Ukraine, many observers hoped real peace talks might finally begin.
But inside Russia, political experts are casting doubt on that possibility.
According to Russian media, a Putin-Zelensky meeting is far from certain. and may not happen at all this year.
Russian Media Blame Zelensky’s “Unclear Line”
Russia Today and other state-backed outlets claim Ukraine isn’t offering a consistent position.
Zelensky, they argue, couldn’t say whether he would give up territory or not.
This, they say, makes any negotiations difficult. But critics point out that this framing shifts attention away from Russia’s own reluctance to engage.
Putin May Be Intentionally Delaying Talks
According to political scientist Andrei Nikulin, Putin has reasons to stall.
He says each step in a peace process can be drawn out with endless diplomatic and bureaucratic discussions.
This tactic could help Russia buy time on the battlefield and avoid real negotiation until the conditions are more favorable.
Why the Weather Actually Matters
It may sound odd, but analysts say Putin is even using the weather as part of his strategy.
As autumn approaches, muddy roads could soon halt offensive movements.
Waiting until then would allow Russia to keep pushing on the front before agreeing to any serious ceasefire talks. For Putin, every week matters.
Putin Wants to Negotiate From a Position of Strength
Experts say Putin is trying to improve Russia’s negotiating position by gaining more ground before winter.
If peace talks start after additional military victories, he’ll be in a stronger place to demand terms.
For now, there’s no incentive to talk. only to keep advancing.
Officials Signal No Immediate Summit
Kremlin officials are trying to manage expectations.
Foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov confirmed that any leader-level talks would happen only after careful planning.
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov added that no summit should be held just for show. Every stage, he said, must go through a full expert-level process.
Analysts Predict a Long Diplomatic Game
Russian experts believe this process could drag on indefinitely.
Even with US pressure and Trump’s special envoy making repeat visits, they say it may all lead to more delays, not decisions.
“It could end in another summit in Alaska and so on, endlessly,” one political scientist warned.
