**Russia’s Real Intentions: Not Peace, but Ukraine’s “Complete Destruction”**
In a shocking revelation, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev has stated that Moscow’s peace negotiations in Istanbul must result in the Ukrainian government’s elimination, rather than a compromise. This stark admission highlights Russia’s true intentions and casts doubt on the sincerity of their efforts to negotiate an end to the war.
**The Gaping Chasm Between Russia and Ukraine**
The two delegations met in Istanbul on June 2nd, but the talks yielded nothing except for prisoner exchanges and body returns. In contrast, Ukraine proposed a comprehensive peace agreement with security guarantees, full territorial integrity, and the right to join NATO. However, Russia’s maximalist demands remain unchanged: recognition of their control over Crimea and four occupied Ukrainian oblasts, permanent Ukrainian neutrality, and cancellation of ambitions to join NATO.
**Russia’s Aggressive Posturing**
Medvedev’s statement is a stark reminder that Russia seeks “complete destruction” of Ukraine. This aggressive posturing is reflected in the Kremlin’s public demands for significant territorial and political concessions from Ukraine, while offering no concessions of their own. The Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson even went so far as to threaten that Russia will “explode” everything and “disappear” anyone who opposes them in response to recent Ukrainian drone strikes.
**Russian Military Build-up**
Russia’s military capabilities against Ukraine continue to expand. Reports by Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate show that Russian forces have stockpiled over 13,000 ballistic, cruise, and other missiles as of mid-May 2025. This build-up includes almost 600 Iskander-M ballistic missiles, over 100 Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles, and approximately 11,000 S-300/400 air defense missiles.
**Conclusion**
In light of Russia’s true intentions and military build-up, it is clear that they remain committed to pursuing demands that amount to nothing short of Ukraine’s full capitulation. As long as Putin believes Russia can militarily defeat Ukraine, Russia will continue this objective. The international community must take note of these developments and reassess their approach to mediating the conflict.
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