In the high-stakes world of international diplomacy, few leaders are as adept at the art of stalling as Vladimir Putin. While the United States, through the diplomatic efforts of President Donald Trump, is pushing for a peace settlement, Russia's actions on the ground and in the media suggest a very different agenda. The recent period of intense talks has been met with a flurry of delaying tactics, escalating military attacks, and a clear reluctance to engage in meaningful negotiations.
The most recent and egregious example is Russia’s massive aerial assault on Ukraine, which occurred just days after President Trump met with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Ukrainian officials, Russia launched a barrage of 574 drones and 40 missiles, one of the largest attacks of the year. This brutal offensive, which killed one person and wounded many others, sent a powerful message: despite the peace talks, Russia's military campaign continues unabated. Zelenskyy himself pointed out the stark contradiction, saying the attack was carried out "as if nothing were changing at all."
Putin is also using diplomatic maneuvers to create roadblocks. He has publicly questioned the legitimacy of President Zelenskyy, citing the postponement of elections in Ukraine due to the war. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has echoed this sentiment, stating that the legitimacy issue must be resolved before Moscow can sign any document with Kyiv. This tactic—questioning the very authority of the person you are meant to be negotiating with—is a classic way to slow down the process and avoid making substantive progress.
Furthermore, Russia has been actively moving the goalposts on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine. Lavrov initially claimed that any solution without Russia's participation would be a "road to nowhere." He then upped the ante by insisting that China, the U.S., the UK, and France should also be involved, a move that analysts say is designed to complicate and delay any potential agreement. This strategy of adding new, often impossible, conditions is a clear sign that the Kremlin is not ready to commit to a peaceful resolution. As Zelenskyy pointed out, accepting China as a guarantor would be counterproductive, as Beijing has not helped Ukraine and has even assisted Russia by opening up its drone market.
The stalling tactics are not just limited to diplomatic bluster. On the ground, according to Zelenskyy, Russian forces are building up troops on the southern front line in the Zaporizhzhia region. This strategic reinforcement, a direct contrast to any talk of de-escalation, is a clear indication that Russia is preparing for further military action, not peace.
Analysts have been quick to call out the Kremlin's playbook. A former UK diplomat, Philippe Dickinson, described a recent summit as "the treading water summit," where Putin gained publicity and stalled sanctions without offering any real concessions. Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, believes that Putin will not meet with Zelenskyy unless the Ukrainian president first agrees to Russia's terms for ending the war, which would effectively mean a surrender.
In conclusion, while the world hopes for peace, Russia's actions are telling a different story. The combination of military escalation and deliberate diplomatic stalling suggests that the Kremlin is using talks as a tool to gain time and consolidate its position, rather than as a genuine effort to end the conflict. The response from the West, as urged by experts, must be one of "strength and pressure," as anything less will only allow Putin to continue happily "treading water in the bloody lake he has created."
