Putin talks "end of war" again: Expert exposes the real motive behind Kremlin’s claims

Vladimir Putin’s statements regarding a possible meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the "approach" of the war's end do not signal Moscow’s actual readiness to compromise. American studies expert Scott Lucas believes that the Kremlin is effectively repeating its old ultimatum — Ukraine must accept Russia's conditions.

In an exclusive interview with 24 Kanal, Professor of American Studies Scott Lucas commented on Vladimir Putin's claims that he could allegedly meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a third country, but only at the "final stage" to seal a deal.

According to the expert, such phrasing does not reflect any genuine willingness to negotiate on equal terms.

"This is a standard formulation: you must surrender to us," Lucas stated.

He noted that the Kremlin is making it clear not only to Kyiv but also to Washington: Moscow is only willing to discuss a meeting if Ukraine agrees to sign off on conditions that favor Russia.

According to Lucas, no Ukrainian politician would ever agree to negotiations in a format where Kyiv is expected to make concessions like handing over parts of the Donetsk region.

"Neither Zelenskyy nor any other Ukrainian politician will ever tell Putin: "Let's meet, just come to Geneva or wherever, and we’ll give you the rest of the Donetsk region." That is not going to happen," the expert sressed.

"White noise" instead of real negotiations

Lucas believes that a major portion of the loud announcements regarding potential negotiations is not an actual diplomatic process, but mere information noise.

According to him, what matters is not whether Moscow issues another statement about its "readiness to meet," but whether Russia is ready to discuss key issues: territories, security guarantees, reparations, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

"If you want to publish yet another statement that basically means: we will meet with you just so you can sign surrender documents, then do not even dream about it," Lucas said.

He also voiced skepticism over Donald Trump's claims that Russia's war against Ukraine is allegedly "nearing its end."

Lucas recalled that Trump had repeatedly declared a deal was close since the start of his presidency, but these statements had yielded no tangible results.

"If I were given a euro every time he says this, I would be fabulously rich, and my house would be much bigger," the expert ironized.

In his view, the real point of interest will not be another statement from Trump, but the moment when U.S. and Ukrainian officials begin substantive work on a plan to pressure Russia into a frontline ceasefire.

The U.S. is speaking with Ukraine about drones, despite the pause in aid

Separately, Lucas pointed out a more critical signal: American officials are maintaining contacts with the Ukrainian side regarding military cooperation, specifically focusing on technology and drone production.

According to him, this carries far more weight than Trump's public rhetoric about a "quick peace."

"U.S. representatives are currently conducting negotiations with Ukraine on military cooperation, despite the fact that Trump's camp has effectively cut off any aid to Kyiv," Lucas said.