Putin: War could end in weeks if West cuts support to Ukraine
By isabelle // 2025-01-29
 
  • Putin suggests conflict could end quickly if Western support for Ukraine stops.
  • He claims Ukraine has no sovereignty and is wholly dependent on Western allies.
  • Putin is willing to negotiate but not directly with Zelenskyy, labeling him "illegitimate."
  • Zelenskyy rejects Putin’s claims, accusing him of fear and prolonging the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday suggested that the conflict in Ukraine could come to a swift end if the West ceased its substantial financial and military support for Kyiv. The Russian leader, in an interview with state broadcaster Rossiya 1, emphasized that Ukraine’s ability to sustain the war effort is heavily dependent on its Western allies, particularly the United States. “Everything can be over in a month and a half to two months. Ukraine practically has no sovereignty, in that sense,” Putin told reporter Pavel Zarubin. The Russian president’s comments come as the conflict enters its third year, with no signs of de-escalation despite international pressure for a ceasefire. Since the start of the war, the United States and its allies have provided Ukraine with over $200 billion in aid, including advanced weaponry, ammunition, and financial assistance. This support has been crucial in enabling Ukraine to mount a robust defense against Russian forces. However, Putin’s assertion that Ukraine is entirely dependent on Western backing highlights the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict. The Biden administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine has drawn criticism from many Americans, who believe that the massive financial and material aid is prolonging a war that many believe Ukraine is unlikely to win. The prolonged conflict has resulted in significant human and economic costs, both for Ukraine and its Western backers.

Peace talks are complicated

Putin also addressed the possibility of peace talks, stating that he would be willing to hold negotiations with Ukraine but not directly with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Russian leader labeled Zelenskyy as “illegitimate” because his presidential term expired while under martial law, which has been in effect since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. “If (Zelenskyy) wants to participate in the negotiations, I will allocate people to take part,” Putin said, adding that Zelenskyy’s “illegitimacy” makes him “not the person to sign the documents.” Putin suggested that the Ukrainian parliament could organize talks and that legal experts could verify the legitimacy of the negotiators. However, Zelenskyy vehemently rejected Putin’s claims, accusing the Russian president of being “afraid” of direct negotiations. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, “Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war.” The Ukrainian president has maintained that he is ready to negotiate a “deal” to end the conflict, but he has emphasized that any peace talks must be inclusive and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

International pressure grows

Despite the ongoing conflict, international leaders, including President Trump, have increased pressure on both sides to reach a peaceful resolution. Trump has threatened Russia with new sanctions if a deal is not reached soon, while also acknowledging the complexities of brokering a peace accord. The Biden administration’s substantial support for Ukraine has been a source of contention, with some arguing that it is exacerbating the conflict. Critics point to the $65.9 billion in military assistance provided by the U.S. since Russia’s full-scale invasion, including advanced systems like the Patriot and NASAMS air defense batteries, as evidence of an overinvestment in a losing war. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the roles of Western support and diplomatic negotiations remain central to the ongoing stalemate. While Putin’s offer of peace talks, conditional on Western support being cut, and Zelenskyy’s rejection of direct negotiations highlight the complex and contentious nature of the conflict, the human and economic toll of the war underscores the need for finding a path to peace. Sources for this article include: RT.com France24.com Reuters.com State.gov