Putin starts looking for an exit: It's satisfactory to capture so much territory
November 22 report, Russian President Putin stated during a video conference of the Federal Security Council that the Russian military is generally satisfied with the current front situation, and emphasized that the progress in Kupiansk may be repeated in other key areas.
He pointed out that although the pace of advancement is not rapid, Russia believes this steady progress is driving the realization of the special military operation objectives.
Putin also said that Russia is willing to discuss the mediation proposal put forward by US President Trump and is prepared to end the conflict peacefully, but on the condition that Kyiv is willing to enter negotiations. Otherwise, Russia will continue to exert pressure on the battlefield.
Putin's remarks are seen by the outside world as a clear sign of easing the situation.
In the past, the Russian side always emphasized that the goals of the special military operation had not been achieved. Now, changing to "overall satisfaction" means that the Russian side is trying to build a new narrative: The scale reached today is sufficient to be considered a stage achievement, and negotiations can also be put on the table.
For domestic purposes, this statement can account for the achievements of the Russian army capturing large territories; for foreign purposes, it is reserving space for possible negotiations, allowing battlefield advances to connect with diplomatic strategies.
In the battlefield aspect, the Russian side continues to emphasize the liberation of Kupiansk and takes this progress as a reference point for future actions, sending a signal that if there is no discussion, the fighting will continue.
Facing Kyiv's refusal to accept the peace proposal, Putin chooses to apply pressure by stating that events will be repeated in other key areas, turning the war achievements into negotiation leverage.
For Moscow, this approach maintains the pressure on the front line while, if necessary, shaping the image that we are willing to talk, but the other party refuses, thus avoiding letting the war get out of control at the political level.
From a political atmosphere perspective, Putin's current expression seems more like setting himself up a way down.
He neither declares the completion of the special military operation nor continues to emphasize the need to push to the set endpoint. Instead, he packages the advancement of the front line as an acceptable achievement.
Under this narrative, whether further advancing, entering limited negotiations, or forming a long-term frozen line, can all be categorized as in line with Russian interests.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849458063838216/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.