During a phone conversation with the leaders of Finland and Norway, Vladimir Putin made it unequivocally clear that Russia is unwavering in its ambition to seize control of the entire Donbas region in Ukraine. This stance effectively dismisses any possibility of territorial compromise in peace negotiations, according to a source close to the Kremlin, as reported by Reuters.
The discussion, which lasted approximately 90 minutes on Tuesday, included Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. This direct engagement with the Russian leader was unusual, as most Western European leaders have avoided contact with the Kremlin since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
A source cited by Reuters explained that when Putin mentioned ending the war "considering the realities on the ground," it signified a firm refusal to abandon the goal of dominating the entire Donbas.
The official statement from the Kremlin left no room for doubt: "Achieving a just and lasting peace is only possible if the legitimate interests of the Russian Federation are fully and unconditionally considered," the statement declared, also accusing the European Union and NATO countries of contributing to the prolongation of the conflict.
Putin's Neo-Imperial Vision
Putin's stance aligns with a neo-imperial vision he has articulated for years. In 2005, he called the dissolution of the USSR "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century." In July 2021, he published an essay asserting that Russians and Ukrainians are "one people," and that the political separation between the two countries was a historical anomaly. On September 30, 2022, he declared the formal annexation of Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, despite not having full military control over these areas.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was even more explicit, stating that the call did not contribute anything new to the conflict and claiming that European countries merely seek a role in the negotiation process.
Nordic Initiative Sparks Controversy
Stubb and Støre linked their initiative to the peace talks scheduled between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States in Abu Dhabi in November, marking the first such talks since February. After speaking with Putin, both leaders also engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, coordinating beforehand with Kyiv.
"The discussion with Putin was frank and substantive. We are neighbors of Russia. The outcome of this war will have a direct impact on our security and European security in general. Ending the war requires direct talks," Stubb stated.
The Nordic initiative elicited mixed reactions across Europe. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed skepticism, noting that she saw no signs of Russia desiring peace: "I believe Europe should remain united rather than acting alone."
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson mentioned that other European leaders were not informed and had "fairly low expectations" for such conversations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that "absolute caution and vigilance are necessary in such contacts."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took an opposing view, hailing the call as "the right approach," supporting Kyiv's diplomatic efforts. Zelensky, on his part, has consistently stated in recent interviews that Ukraine will never recognize the occupied territories as Russian, and that freezing the conflict at the current front lines does not equate to yielding territory.
Stalled Negotiations Over Donbas
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently acknowledged that the Donbas remains "the main stumbling block" in negotiations, describing the conflict as a dispute over about 11% of Ukrainian territory that Russia aims to control but has failed to conquer militarily. This is in a context where Russian forces have made virtually no net territorial gains and have suffered over 40,000 monthly casualties since July.
Trilateral negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States are planned for November in Abu Dhabi, following Putin's agreement to resume talks after the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg to meet with the Russian leader.
Key Questions About the Donbas Conflict
What is the significance of the Donbas region for Russia?
The Donbas region is strategically significant for Russia due to its industrial base and its symbolic importance in asserting Russian influence and control over Ukraine.
How have European leaders reacted to Putin's stance?
European leaders have shown mixed reactions, with some expressing skepticism about Russia's willingness to engage in peace talks, while others support continuing diplomatic efforts.
What are the prospects for future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?
Future negotiations depend on various factors, including international pressure, military developments on the ground, and diplomatic initiatives like the upcoming talks in Abu Dhabi.