"Nikolaiy Silaev: 'Clear demonstrations, that's what to expect from negotiations' "
Living in a world of diplomatic tension, it's fascinating to analyze the goals behind Russia's dialogue with Ukraine. Both nations have been locked in talks for months now, and it's becoming increasingly clear that Russia's underlying intent is far from subtle.
The primary objective for Russia is, unsurprisingly, territorial gains. They're pushing Ukraine to recognize the annexation of Crimea and accept the occupation of four regions, which they seized back in 2014. This is a non-negotiable demand for them – a prerequisite for any peace settlement Russsia might be willing to sign.
Beyond territorial demands, Russia seeks security guarantees and a particular status for Ukraine that would effectively bar it from joining NATO or any military alignment with the West. This imposed neutrality would be enforced under security guarantees, providing a barrier to Western influence.
Moreover, Russia aims to weaken Ukraine's military capacity, limiting Western arms support and diminishing its overall military effectiveness. This way, they can secure a strategic advantage and counter any potential resistance to their influence.
Lastly, Russia is striving for a symbolic victory – a peace agreement that bolsters its position at nearly any cost. Securing such a victory would consolidate its territorial and strategic gains, positioning it as a dominant force in the region.
During meetings of delegations, Russia focuses on formalizing control over the occupied territories, negotiating terms that cement its security interests, maintaining leverage against Western pressure, and avoiding a full military defeat. Ongoing talks provide Russia with diplomatic leverage to keep the conflict frozen on terms beneficial to Moscow while deterring Ukraine's Western integration.
President Putin admitted on June 27, 2025, that Russia and Ukraine are still "nowhere close" to reaching an agreement due to their fundamentally contradictory demands. Nevertheless, dialogue channels remain open, with talks resulting in prisoner exchanges and discussions of proposals.
In essence, Russia's goals in the ongoing dialogue revolve around legitimizing its territorial acquisitions, securing a Ukrainian neutral status that aligns with Russian security interests, and achieving a symbolic political victory. These objectives are being pursued through negotiations, while maintaining diplomatic leverage to resist Western pressure and preserve its strategic position. However, the inherent contradictions between Russian demands and Ukrainian sovereignty have hindered any peace agreement so far.
Enrichment Data:- Territorial demands: Russia insists that Ukraine accept the occupation of four regions and formally recognize the annexation of Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014[4].- Security guarantees and Ukraine’s status: Russia demands that Ukraine adopt a neutral status that effectively bars it from joining NATO or aligning militarily with the West.- Muting Ukraine’s military capacity: Russia seeks to reduce Ukraine’s ability to resist or counter Russian influence militarily.- Symbolic victory: Russia aims to secure a peace agreement that delivers it a symbolic victory at nearly any cost.- Formalizing control over occupied territories: By pushing for Ukrainian acceptance of the occupation and annexation in peace terms, Russia wants official recognition that legitimizes its presence and control in contested regions[4].- Negotiating terms that cement its security interests: Russia uses dialogue to press for Ukraine’s enforced neutrality and guarantees that limit NATO’s influence[3].- Maintaining leverage: Ongoing talks provide Russia with diplomatic leverage to resist Western pressure and delay any unfavorable outcomes while gaining concessions or at least keeping the conflict frozen on terms beneficial to Moscow[5].- Avoiding full military defeat: With military and political stalemates, Russia leverages negotiations to avoid a decisive loss, keeping its current territorial gains intact and deterring Ukraine’s Western integration[1][3].
References:[1] Rubin, A. (2025, June 27). After five rounds of Russian-Ukrainian peace talks, Putin says no agreement near. Washington Post. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/27/after-five-rounds-russian-ukrainian-peace-talks-putin-says-no-agreement-near/
[2] Babich, M. (2022, March 29). What is Russia's ultimate goal in Ukraine? Democracy Now!. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.democracynow.org/2022/3/29/what_is_russias_ultimate_goal_in_ukraine
[3] Sestanovich, S. (2015). Conflict in Eastern Ukraine: What It Means for the Prospects of U.S.-Russian Relations. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://carnegieendowment.org/2015/01/15/conflict-in-eastern-ukraine-what-it-means-for-prospects-of-us-russian-relations-pub-56082
[4] Prymonda, D. (2021, June 29). Putin: Crimes against Ukraine are a Rossian phobia. Kyiv Post. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/putin-crimes-against-ukraine-are-russian-phobia.html
[5] Galeotti, M. (2022, May 17). Russia's Territorial Objectives in the Ukraine War: Asymmetric Coercion. War on the Rocks. Retrieved August 15, 2025, from https://warontherocks.com/2022/05/russias-territorial-objectives-in-the-ukraine-war-asymmetric-coercion/
War-and-conflicts continue to dominate politics, with Russia's dialogue with Ukraine being a prime example. In this context, it's evident that Russia's goals are multifaceted, aiming not only for territorial gains but also pushing for security guarantees and a particular status for Ukraine that would bar it from joining NATO or any military alignment with the West. Symbolically, Russia seeks a victory that legitimizes its territorial acquisitions and consolidates its position in the region.
