ISW: The Kremlin is once again trying to influence the West to persuade Ukraine to make concessions

The Kremlin likely promoted the narrative about its alleged interest in negotiations ahead of the planned Ukrainian counter-offensive in order to dissuade the West from continuing its support for Ukraine, the ISW estimates.

Analysts note, according to the Kremlin, that Vladimir Putin, on Friday, in a conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, expressed “the Russian side’s openness to dialogue on a political and diplomatic track,” which, in his words, “was blocked by Kiev and Western sponsors.” “.

Putin’s words do not indicate that Russia is interested in negotiations with Ukraine. Experts contend that the Kremlin has not laid any serious basis for negotiations or abandoned its goal of capitulating to the Ukrainian government.

The think tank notes that China’s envoy to Ukraine, Li Hui, arrived in Moscow on Friday. According to analysts, China may be trying to get the West to influence Ukraine to accept a ceasefire.

On Friday, the US Wall Street Journal reported that Li Hui had urged European diplomats in recent meetings to agree to an armistice that would leave occupied Ukrainian lands under Russian control. According to the newspaper, Lee received a great reception and a coordinated response from the Europeans.

Commenting on these reports, Mykhailo Podolak, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that any compromise scenario in the war with Russia would mean the defeat of democracy and the victory of Moscow.