The analysts highlighted Putin’s rigid stance reflecting his intent to continue aggression, rejecting any concessions.
"The proposal included delaying Ukraine's NATO membership by at least 10 years as a condition to end the war," ISW wrote.
"However, on Dec. 26, Putin publicly declared that for Russia, the timing of Ukraine's NATO membership — 'today, tomorrow, or in 10 years' — is irrelevant."
Putin’s statement aligned with a series of recent comments indicating his unwillingness to compromise. His demands continue to include Ukraine’s permanent neutral status, renouncement of NATO ambitions, restrictions on its military size, and regime change in Kyiv.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov echoed Putin’s rhetoric, asserting that Ukraine’s government is illegitimate and cannot serve as a negotiating partner.
Key ISW highlights for Dec. 26:
- Frontline developments: Russian forces reportedly captured Kurakhove after prolonged fighting and may advance along the N-15 highway. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces struck a Russian command post in Kursk Oblast, as well as ammunition depots and defense facilities in Rostov and Tambov oblasts.
- Infrastructure attacks: Russian forces conducted a series of strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure between Dec. 24-25, causing extensive damage.
- Civilian airliner incident: Reports emerged that Russian air defenses mistakenly shot down an Azerbaijani Embraer 190 passenger plane over Chechnya, resulting in a crash in Kazakhstan.
- Japanese aid: Japan announced $3 billion in non-lethal aid to Ukraine, funded through frozen Russian assets.
- Ukrainian advances: Ukrainian forces achieved localized gains near Toretsk, while Russian troops intensified operations around Kupyansk, Pokrovsk, and other frontlines.
- Internal discord in Russia: Russia's Defense Ministry is attempting to centralize fundraising for its military, a move that has angered military bloggers amid scandals over drone operator casualties.