Putin's capitulation only acceptable outcome, Rondeli Foundation researcher

Vladimir Putin is unlikely to agree to any form of settlement other than his own capitulation, according to Alexi Petriashvili, a researcher at the Rondeli Foundation. 

Speaking on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Petriashvili suggested that the Russian president’s primary objectives - lifting sanctions and securing the annexation of Ukrainian territories - are unlikely to be achieved.

"A ceasefire is one thing, and ending the war is another, much more complex one," Petriashvili explained. "Pressure on Putin is increasing because he has repeatedly violated ceasefire agreements, including those reached with US President Donald Trump."

Petriashvili warned against the possibility of Putin agreeing to a temporary ceasefire, only to continue military operations soon after. "No one will be surprised if Putin shows up in Istanbul and agrees to a 30-day ceasefire, goes back to Russia, and the bombing of civilians in Ukraine continues," he noted.

Petriashvili further claimed the Kremlin was stalling for multiple reasons, including avoiding a domestic backlash from returning soldiers suffering from "war syndrome" and maintaining a façade of strength.

"Putin needs the lifting of sanctions and the annexation of Ukrainian territories, but he will not get either. Therefore, I exclude any other type of agreement from Putin in the near future, except for Putin's capitulation," Petriashvili concluded.