Russian President Vladimir Putin Photo: AP

Despite the obvious pressure of domestic politics and the economy, Russian President Vladimir Putin has no intention of abandoning his goals for the war in Ukraine. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin continues to adhere to its demands for Ukraine, in particular, to “denazify” and “demilitarise” the country. This is despite significant losses of personnel and equipment over the past three years of hostilities.

Putin is known to reject the possibility of peace talks that could require Russia to give up its long-term goals. Kremlin officials have repeatedly stated that a ceasefire is possible only if Ukraine surrenders completely. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that a peace agreement should take into account the “realities” on the battlefield, including a ban on Ukraine’s accession to NATO.

The latest opinion polls in Russia show that the majority of citizens support the continuation of the war until Ukraine’s complete surrender is achieved, while at the same time, they are increasingly feeling the economic consequences of the hostilities.