Putin Could Benefit from Freezing the War, but His Grasp of Reality May Hinder
Under current conditions, Russian President Vladimir Putin would find it advantageous to return to negotiations and freeze the conflict in Ukraine. However, a lack of independent media and advisors' reluctance to share bad news may distort his perception of the situation.
Analysts suggest that it would now be in Vladimir Putin's interest to resume talks and attempt to freeze the war in Ukraine. The conflict is proving increasingly costly for Russia, and prolonged military engagement could further strain the economy and society.
Yet there is no guarantee that Putin will take this step. One key reason is the potential distortion of his perception of reality. Russia has no independent press, and his advisors are likely hesitant to deliver bad news. As a result, the Kremlin leader may not fully grasp the true state of affairs in his country and on the battlefield.
Putin has repeatedly claimed that Ukraine is on the verge of defeat—a statement he has made many times since the war began. While this could be an attempt to manipulate public opinion, it is also possible that he at least partially believes his own rhetoric. This self-deception further complicates the possibility of making decisions aligned with actual circumstances.
