Russia is "in principle ready" to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine, but only "to catch its breath" because Vladimir Putin has not given up his "imperial ambitions."
Points of attention
- Russia's readiness to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine may be a tactical move to fulfill its imperial ambitions, according to Estonian intelligence.
- The Kremlin plans to increase the size of its armed forces and send new units to Ukraine for combat experience, indicating a potential escalation of conflict.
- During peace talks, Russia may push for the withdrawal of NATO troops from the eastern border, which could lead to increased dominance in the Baltic region.
Putin is ready for peace talks with Ukraine, but there is one “but”
This was announced by the Director General of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, Kaupo Rozin.
According to the annual report of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, the Kremlin intends to increase the size of its armed forces to 1.5 million people, compared to 600-700 thousand people in the fall of 2022, while new units will be sent to Ukraine to gain combat experience, the report says.
According to Rozin, after the war they will be deployed along the borders with NATO countries, in particular the Baltic states, adding that the alliance should strengthen its presence there.
According to the report, in any such negotiations, Russia would likely insist on the withdrawal of NATO troops from NATO's eastern border, which, if successful, would ensure its dominance in the Baltic region.
Estonia, a NATO member, is closely monitoring Russia's military potential as it considers Moscow to be the main threat to its security, especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Estonia, like its Baltic neighbors Latvia and Lithuania, was forcibly annexed by Moscow during World War II and only regained its independence in 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed.
