Russia is not agreeing to the Western countries' proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky offered a meeting with Putin in Istanbul, but Putin will not attend that meeting. Raik says that Putin does not want to talk to Zelensky. He is trying to find a way to blame Ukrainians. Putin wants the USA to be involved in the process.
Ukrainians are prepared for the war to last much longer. They do not expect a quick peace solution. Raik says that Russia is in no hurry to achieve peace. Russia does not want peace. Ukrainians would like peace but see that Russia is not ready to recognize Ukraine's sovereignty. Russia believes that they can achieve a better outcome through war.
An important reason why Putin does not want peace is that the war in Ukraine helps his regime stay alive. If the war ended, it would be difficult for Russia to control economic and social problems. Currently, these can be justified by the war.
Raik noted that Russia is not ready to recognize Ukraine's sovereignty. The only solution that would suit Putin's regime is Ukraine's submission to Russia's control. The USA has tried to be a peace mediator, but Raik fears that a real peace treaty will not happen. There may only be a ceasefire if Russia is unable to continue the war.
The USA wants negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine is forced to participate in the talks. European countries also want the USA to be involved in the process. Russia hopes that the USA will make concessions. At the moment, it seems that the USA will not stop supporting Ukraine, which gives Ukrainians hope.