Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled behind closed doors that Russia would be open to a ceasefire if the current front line is maintained as a border, the New York Times reported.
Putin's desired cease-fire would mean that Russia would retain its illegally occupied territories in Ukraine.
"He is really ready to stop at the current positions," a former senior Russian official told the publication. "Putin is not willing to give up a single meter," he added.
US officials say Putin's condition to end the war, which has cost tens of thousands of lives, may be an attempt to influence opinion and "does not reflect a genuine desire" for peace.
Ukraine laid out its 10-point "peace formula" in November 2022. One of the key points as a prerequisite for starting peace talks is the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, including the regions illegally annexed by Russia in 2022.
According to the New York Times, Putin also sent diplomats to seek a cease-fire agreement in the fall of 2022 after Ukrainian forces liberated Kharkiv Oblast, indicating he is satisfied with Russia's captured territory and ready for a truce. .
The signals come through multiple channels, including through foreign governments with ties to both the US and Russia. Unofficial Russian envoys have discussed the details of a potential deal with their interlocutors.
"Putin and the Russian military do not want to stretch their capacity any further," said an unnamed official on condition of anonymity.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said Russia was ready for talks, but only to "achieve its own goals."
There is currently no reason to start peace talks with Ukraine, Peskov earlier told reporters on December 20.
The prospect of peace talks, including an exchange of territory for peace or other significant concessions, is extremely unpopular among the Ukrainian population.
A poll published in December 2023 found that 74% of Ukrainians opposed such territorial concessions with Russia in exchange for peace. /BGNES
