"If Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the end of this war approaching, why doesn't he end it himself? He could completely control the timing then," German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said today during a visit to Kyiv.
Pistorius's statement followed President Putin's remarks at a press conference on 9/5, where he said "the conflict with Ukraine is coming to an end." Putin did not elaborate, but his declaration led many to hope the Russia-Ukraine conflict was nearing its conclusion.
Putin also stated his readiness to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a third country, but only after finalizing all conditions for a peace agreement.
Germany's defense minister expressed skepticism about the Russian president's statement. "As always, he is setting conditions. I am concerned this is just another diversionary tactic, though I hope I am wrong," Pistorius said. "However, this possibility cannot be ruled out, and it seems to be part of his war strategy."
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German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in Kyiv, Ukraine on 11/5. Photo: Reuters |
President Putin also stated on 9/5 that he would prefer to negotiate with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder if engaging in dialogue with Europe. "For me, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Schroeder is the preferred choice," he said.
Minister Pistorius suggested that such statements from the Russian president are merely intended to "distract public opinion" from recent military losses on the battlefield.
German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius said on the same day that he had not seen any "substantive progress" towards negotiations despite Putin's new comments.
"Russia knows well which partners they can engage with in Europe if they are truly serious about negotiations," Kornelius said.
After more than four years of conflict, Russian forces have yet to fully control the entire Donbass region in eastern Ukraine, where Kyiv's military has retreated to establish defensive lines in fortified cities. Although Moscow currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine's territory, their advance has slowed this year.
