Citing the outcome of recent talks in Istanbul and the demands voiced by the Russian side, ISW analysts concluded that Russia’s central objective remains Ukraine’s full capitulation. The report emphasized that Moscow does not view its territorial claims as negotiable issues for ending the war,

The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in over three years went ahead today in Istanbul, but ended after nearly two hours amid skepticism from the US and Europe about the potential for a peace deal to end the war.

By Andrew Osborn (Reuters) -As Russian President Vladimir Putin explores a potential peace settlement to end the war in Ukraine, hawkish anti-Western nationalists at home are waging a campaign to keep the conflict going.