Russia’s Vladimir Putin will stop the war in Ukraine if a negotiated ceasefire that recognises the current battlefield lines can be agreed, it has been gathered.

Russia-Ukraine War Updates

Three of the sources, familiar with discussions in Putin’s entourage, told Reuters the veteran Russian leader had expressed frustration to a small group of advisers about what he views as Western-backed attempts to stymie negotiations and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s decision to rule out talks.

‘Putin can fight for as long as it takes, but Putin is also ready for a ceasefire to freeze the war,’ said another of the insiders, a senior Russian source who has worked with Putin and has knowledge of top level conversations in the Kremlin.

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He, like the others cited in this story, spoke on condition of anonymity given the matter’s sensitivity.

Will Putin Stop War in Ukraine?

Reuters spoke to a total of five people who work with or have worked with Putin at a senior level in the political and business worlds.

The fifth source did not comment on freezing the war at the current frontlines.

Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in response to a request for comment, said the Kremlin chief had repeatedly made clear Russia was open to dialogue to achieve its goals, saying the country did not want an eternal war.

Ukraine’s foreign and defence ministries did not respond to questions.