UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 308 – DECEMBER 26, 2022

Contrary to reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not offer to negotiate with Ukraine on December 25. In a television interview, Putin stated that he did not believe the war was approaching a "dangerous line" and said that Russia had no choice but to continue defending its citizens before declaring that Russia was "ready to negotiate with all parties involved in the conflict".

Putin did not explicitly state that Russia was willing to negotiate directly with Ukraine, instead sticking to his false narrative that Ukraine - which he simply referred to as "the other side" - had violated Russia's diplomatic efforts prior to the invasion. Putin's discussions on negotiations focused on supposed talks with the West rather than with Ukraine, reflecting his constant accusations that Ukraine is merely a pawn of the West and lacks real agency. This statement was not a departure from this rhetorical line. Putin also stated that he believed Russia was "operating in the right direction," indicating that he had not set serious conditions for negotiations and continued to pursue his maximalist goals.

The full Russian Offensive Update 308 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR online