Putin's peace play: Russia signals readiness for talks, may accept Kyiv's NATO membership

The intermediary reportedly suggested that Vladimir Putin is open to waiving Ukraine's demand to maintain neutral status and may eventually give up objections to Kyiv's NATO membership. This would come at the cost of accepting territories under Russian occupation.

Washington, however, denies receiving any such message. Adrienne Watson, spokeswoman for the United States National Security Council, reiterated that the decision regarding any negotiations is only for Kyiv to make.

On a related note, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the agency that Russia has long been open to negotiating over Ukraine and is seeking to attain its objectives diplomatically. However, he emphasized that if negotiations fall through, a "military operation" will persist until the Federation achieves its intended aims.

Bloomberg also highlighted remarks by Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, who recently mentioned at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he "does not see" any prospects for a long-term ceasefire or a Russian desire to let go of its maximalist goals.

The report suggests that Vladimir Putin feels he currently has the upper hand in the conflict, particularly considering last year's fruitless counteroffensive and the difficulties that the US and the European Union faced while implementing measures to support Ukraine.

Towards the end of 2023, the "New York Times" also reported on Russia's proposal of a conflict freeze in Ukraine, transmitted through intermediaries, Bloomberg points out.

The agency suggests that the Russian proposal could be an attempt to sow discord within the Western camp and Ukraine. By giving up its opposition to Ukraine's NATO membership, Russia could be banking on countries like Hungary to obstruct Kyiv's approach towards the alliance. Viktor Orban, in particular, has long been accused of maintaining friendly relations with the Kremlin.

Fiona Hill, former National Security Council director for Russia during the Trump administration, concurs with this assessment, noting it as a "classic Russian manipulation".

- They stand to gain if everyone believes there are covert negotiations so secretive no one knows what's happening, as it unsettles the Ukrainians. Russia aims to create the perception that this channel exists, leaving everything hinging on the US, with no one and nothing else matters - Hill declared.

Henrik Landerholm, the Swedish national security advisor who recently met with his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, told Bloomberg he had heard rumors but was unsure what to think of them.

- Putin would undoubtedly be pleased if he were to secure an agreement based on existing territorial gains, though our Ukrainian friends would, of course, find this unthinkable - he added.

In conclusion, pro-Kremlin political scientist Fyodor Lukyanov stated that if Russia's territorial conquest is accepted, it will fundamentally establish a new security framework in Europe, which is Putin's primary goal.