[Goose]

Putin says he's ready to negotiate with all parties over Ukraine. Here's what he said in a state television interview:

"I believe that we are acting in the right direction, we are defending our national interests, the interests of our citizens, our people. And we have no other choice but to protect our citizens. We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are".

Putin says Russia ready to negotiate over Ukraine

So...what's the most logical explanation?

IMO the most probable (logical doesn't apply in this war :-) explanation is that Putin knows full well Ukraine is not going to negotiate at this point, so he (Putin) can appear "reasonable" without any risk of having his offer accepted. Best case for Putin would be that Ukraine comes under pressure to negotiate and is "forced" to do so. Worst case he can tell his population "See, I tried. Ukraine is crazy. They won't negotiate". Right now Russia would be happy with a cease fire that would allow them to build up their forces without having to worry about being forced to defend their ill-gotten gains. Then, when ready, they go back to war full force. Very improbable that would happen, but from Putin's point of view, its worth a shot.

[Goose]

Putin says he's ready to negotiate with all parties over Ukraine. Here's what he said in a state television interview:

"I believe that we are acting in the right direction, we are defending our national interests, the interests of our citizens, our people. And we have no other choice but to protect our citizens. We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them - we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are".

Putin says Russia ready to negotiate over Ukraine

So...what's the most logical explanation?

IMO the most probable (logical doesn't apply in this war :-) explanation is that Putin knows full well Ukraine is not going to negotiate at this point, so he (Putin) can appear "reasonable" without any risk of having his offer accepted. Best case for Putin would be that Ukraine comes under pressure to negotiate and is "forced" to do so. Worst case he can tell his population "See, I tried. Ukraine is crazy. They won't negotiate". Right now Russia would be happy with a cease fire that would allow them to build up their forces without having to worry about being forced to defend their ill-gotten gains. Then, when ready, they go back to war full force. Very improbable that would happen, but from Putin's point of view, its worth a shot.