**Russia’s True Intentions Remain Unclear Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict**
Despite claims of seeking a peaceful resolution, Russia continues to push for total Ukrainian capitulation. In a recent phone call with Pope Leo XIV on June 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin made no concessions and instead blamed Ukraine for escalating the war.
According to a report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Putin’s conversation with the Pope was an opportunity for Russia to demonstrate its commitment to finding a diplomatic solution. However, the Kremlin’s readout from the call revealed that Putin did not offer any shift in Russia’s position on the conflict. Instead, he repeated his claim that Ukraine is responsible for the war and that Russia favors a peaceful resolution through “political and diplomatic means.”
**No Concessions from Moscow**
The ISW report highlights that Russia has made no moves to soften its core conditions, which amount to Ukraine’s total capitulation. This remains a major sticking point in negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, with Russia insisting on concessions that would effectively make Ukraine a vassal state.
In a separate statement on June 3, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev called for a “swift victory” and the “complete destruction” of Ukraine’s government. This rhetoric suggests that Russia remains uninterested in good-faith peace negotiations and is instead focused on achieving its own objectives through force.
**US Efforts Unsuccessful**
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been pushing for direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow to bring an end to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, with Russia maintaining maximalist demands and continuing to target civilians and infrastructure, Trump’s efforts have proven ineffective so far.
The ISW report notes that the Kremlin continues to present itself as ready for “good-faith” talks while refusing to offer any concessions. This has led to criticism that Moscow is engaging in a form of diplomatic window-dressing, using language that sounds conciliatory but ultimately masks its true intentions.
**A Pattern of Blame-Shifting**
The Kremlin’s narrative on the conflict continues to shift blame onto Ukraine for Russia’s invasion. ISW notes that this rhetoric has been part of Russia’s discourse since the start of the war and serves as a way to justify Moscow’s actions.
In conclusion, despite diplomatic language from Putin, Russia remains committed to total Ukrainian capitulation. The Kremlin’s refusal to offer concessions and its continued targeting of civilians and infrastructure have raised concerns about the effectiveness of any peace negotiations.
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