Putin's statements ahead of Peace Summit testify to Russia’s weakness - historian

This opinion was expressed in an interview with Ukrinform by one of the most acclaimed and influential American and Ukrainian historians, director of Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, Professor Serhii Plokhii.

According to the scholar, such statements are "a manifestation of inadequate understanding from someone who has been in power for 25 years."

"This creates a series of mistakes that are clearly not in Russia’s interest. No one will ever say that the war went according to Putin's plan. Such statements, in fact, disqualify Russia as a legitimate interlocutor. And this is not positive thing for Russia. Empires, autocracies have advantages in mobilizing resources. At the same time, they have significant disadvantages due to the fact that very often, inadequate decisions are made. It’s not that it will be easier for Ukraine. But still, Putin continues to drive Russia into a dead end," Plokhii emphasized.

He also noted that these statements by Putin make any efforts to initiate negotiations with the Kremlin even more impossible. "What we heard from Moscow the other day just cuts off all possibilities and basically knocks the platform from under the feet of anyone who said a compromise could be reached based on what Putin proposed. It's not just about keeping what's captured, but "give us more and then give up the defense." So Vladimir Putin and his statement voiced on the eve of the Global Summit turned out to be in favor of Ukraine. The aggressor has very clearly demonstrated what they are. After such a statement, it is much easier for Ukraine to argue and convey its position," said Plokhii.

The professor emphasized that there are many countries that would like to negotiate with Moscow. "The world, or a large part of it, would like to talk with Putin. This was the position of both Germany and France. These countries offered their services as mediators in that process. However, the very position of Putin, who unleashed undisguised aggression, did not want to agree on anything and continues to make such statements, turns potential negotiators into supporters of Ukraine and opponents of Russia," Plokhii said.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on June 14, the head of the Kremlin said he was allegedly "ready for peace negotiations", but to this end, Ukraine must withdraw its troops from all regions that the Kremlin refers to as "new regions of Russia", and notify Moscow about the refusal from joining NATO.

For his part, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, noted that Putin's proposal for a ceasefire is an ultimatum that cannot be trusted.