Russia intends to negotiate without ceasefire, says opposition politician

He shared his opinions on Espreso TV.

"Effectively, Moscow has no intention of ceasing fire, which was widely expected to be a prelude to negotiations where all sides sit down and begin discussions. This has been reiterated in various statements. While Putin did not explicitly state this during the major press conference, others, including Peskov, have said that there are no plans to cease fire - they want a 'comprehensive, grand, final peace.' This implies that Ukraine, agreeing to a set of conditions, would sit at the negotiation table, but the war would continue, serving as a tool of pressure for Ukraine to make endless concessions. Moscow has shown no willingness to agree to a ceasefire, and Putin has now publicly confirmed this, rejecting the notion of halting hostilities to initiate talks," explained Mark Feygin.

According to the politician, Donald Trump's administration may take decisive steps on military aid to Ukraine if Moscow continues to undermine the negotiation process.

"Why is Putin, taking such roundabout ways, trying to portray readiness for diplomatic compromises and other things? Yet these caveats essentially nullify this willingness. Putin is afraid of appearing publicly as the one torpedoing the peace agreement or process. During his campaign, Trump stated that whoever becomes the violator of this peace plan or movement towards peace will suffer the consequences. If Ukraine blocks this process, it will receive less weaponry. If Moscow does so, Ukraine will not only get all the weapons it was supposed to but also additional ones. This would allow for a military shift in the situation and a change in Moscow's stance," he added.

• Russian leader Vladimir Putin highlighted the capabilities of the Oreshnik missile during a press conference on Thursday, December 19, while also addressing the ongoing fighting in the Kursk region of Russia.