"Putin is starting to beg for negotiations": diplomat Ohryzko on Shoigu's statement

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"The Russian leadership desperately needs to be able to take a break, rearm, and accumulate forces to go on the offensive again under any pretext. They really need a break. Shoigu's statement suggests that Putin is already beginning to beg for negotiations. Although he cynically says that it is Ukraine that wants negotiations. But they still have the potential to hold the line. Unfortunately, they still have the potential to attack. The Russians still have “meat assault” brigades that no one will treat. It is not in their tradition to think about human life. If they need 300,000 troops, they will have them, if they need 600,000, they will have them," emphasized Ohryzko.

According to the diplomat, Shoigu's statement serves as another method to gain attention and emphasize that Russians are peace-loving.

"And also to put the blame on Ukraine for not wanting to negotiate, and the National Security and Defense Council has decided that no one in Ukraine will negotiate with Putin. This is another signal to the internal audience, as well as another signal to the outside world that they are ready, but there are ‘buts.’ And behind the ‘bu’" are their whims, which we know very well," Ohryzko emphasized.

• On September 26, at a meeting with the generals, Shoigu said that the war with Ukraine was planned to last at least until 2025. 

• On October 30, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia remains ready for political discussions on the settlement of the war with Ukraine and further coexistence with the West "on a realistic basis."