Putin has to balance the ultra-nationalists who want to reestablish the Soviet Empire against the moderates who want peace and prosperity. If he were to engage in peace talks, he’d face a revolt from his ultra-nationalists. Right now, the other interests in his government have less power than the ultra-nationalists.
Also, Putin has to somehow keep the people from revolting. He has an internal security force which as I recall is about three hundred thousand. He could, theoretically send them to Ukraine as they are well armed, trained and already on duty. But doing so might cause them to overthrow him. Leaving the ultra-nationalists in charge.
Essentially, Putin’s hands are tied by the competing interests. By taking personal control he owns the war. If he retreats or loses, he’s finished.
Zelinsky is similarly tied. The Ukrainian nationalists want all of Ukraine back. This includes Crimea. There are other interests who just want peace at any price. But if Zelinsky wants to stay in power he has to win the war.
The war will stop when one side simply can’t go on. Or, when one side realizes it has been definitively beaten. A negotiated cease fire right now will only allow Russia to rest and recover. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians are rotating their front-line troops out of the fight every three days, according to one source. If so, it will be Russia who folds first.
“Meanwhile, the Ukrainians are rotating their front-line troops out of the fight every three days, according to one source.”
Thanks, I have been waiting for information on that.