Russia continues to reject compromise to end its war in Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Recent statements by senior Kremlin figures again emphasized that Moscow demands only a settlement based entirely on its terms — one that amounts to full Ukrainian capitulation.
Russian officials demand capitulation, not compromise
ISW reported that Russian State Duma Defense Committee Deputy Chairperson Alexei Zhuravlev said on 8 December that it does not matter who signs what he called the "capitulation" to end the war. He claimed the “main thing” is that the terms “satisfy Russia.” According to ISW, Zhuravlev’s remarks reflected a continued rejection of any negotiated peace deal that falls short of Ukraine surrendering to Russian demands.
Zhuravlev also claimed that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was ostensibly caused by worsening US-Russia relations. He said Russia should sign a peace agreement only with the United States, not with Ukraine.
"Zhuravlev’s statements reiterate how the Kremlin has consistently made demands not only of Ukraine, but of NATO as well, and that the Kremlin continues to refuse a settlement to the war that amounts to anything less than Ukrainian capitulation," ISW wrote.
Kremlin insists negotiations happen “in silence”
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also spoke on 8 December, stating that any negotiations to end the war must be “done in silence.” ISW assessed this line as part of a wider Kremlin tactic to avoid public discussion of proposed peace plans. According to the think tank, such secrecy likely serves to "obfuscate Russia’s rejection of proposed peace plans."
