Language of force: expert on the possibility of real concessions from the Russian Federation to end the war

This was discussed in the expert’s blog.

Maxim Yali noted that before Witkoff’s last visit to Moscow and the summit in Alaska, President Putin insisted on the return of all territories illegally annexed by Russia, including the Kherson and Zaporizhia regions. For the United States, such a desire to settle the situation indicates a serious compromise on its part, which, according to the expert, may also be acceptable to Ukraine.

Yali emphasized that Ukraine, in turn, advocates a period of freezing the war on the current front line. However, the implementation of such an option largely depends on pressure from the United States, in particular, on the possibility of applying sanctions against Russia.

The expert noted that Russia reacts only to force, and until the United States demonstrates its actions in this direction, negotiations with the Kremlin may be delayed. Putin remains confident that the Ukrainian defense will not hold out, and the Russian military will be able to gain a foothold in more advantageous negotiating positions, which they attempted to exploit during previous negotiations.

Yali firmly stated that until the US introduces effective sanctions, Russia will not be ready to make significant concessions. Especially considering that oil plays a key role in financing Russian aggression. The expert is confident that without pressure from America, the situation will not change, and options for compromise will remain unrealized.

It was also reported that Ukraine is no longer requesting permission from the Pentagon to carry out strikes on Russian territory, as it is actively working on its own missile program.

Additional clarifications regarding Hungary’s refusal to receive oil through the Druzhba pipeline were provided earlier.