[4] ISW cannot determine the veracity of the Russian sources' claims about Putin's intentions, and these private anonymous statements contrast sharply with Russian official public rhetoric and action. Russian sources that have spoken to Western media have also offered mutually contradictory characterizations of Putin's stance on negotiations. [7] Russian sources also told Reuters that Putin believes that the West will not give Ukraine enough weapons but understands that making any "dramatic" Russian advances would require another Russian nationwide mobilization. [10] These contradictions cast further doubt on the accuracy with which these Russian sources are reflecting Putin's actual thinking. These Russian sources notably highlighted territorial concessions as part of Putin's alleged envisioned ceasefire but have sparsely addressed the wider strategic objectives of Putin's war in Ukraine.

Source: New York Times June 14, 2024 14:43 UTC