Kremlin is Not Preparing Society for Peace: Why Russia Continues to Drag Out the War in Ukraine
The actions of the Kremlin indicate a lack of strategic steps toward a quick resolution of the conflict and a desire to impose its conditions, despite obvious losses and internal destabilization. According to the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), official Moscow is not engaging in proper efforts to foster a positive and stable information image regarding the possibility of peace agreements or reducing hostilities. Instead, propaganda is increasingly calling for prolonging the conflict until the occupiers achieve their set goals. This reflects a deliberate policy of controlling public opinion, aimed at the moment when Russia can gain the desired psychological and military advantage. According to analysts, the Kremlin leadership is not actively taking measures to prepare Russian society for compromise or accepting peace terms. On the contrary, Russia demonstrates a tendency to justify its military objectives by portraying them as vital for the country's future. These statements are becoming more frequent in public and are shaping the consciousness of Russians to see a society that must continue fighting and endure until its goals are achieved, regardless of losses and difficulties. Significant attention is given by the Kremlin to propaganda campaigns aimed at demonstrating Russia's military strength ahead of planned high-level contacts, including the telephone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin scheduled for May 19. During this period, media outlets disseminate content that reinforces the image of Russia as a strong and invincible country. For example, on May 18, a widely circulated publication featured 18 excerpts purportedly from "interviews" with Putin, in which he claims that Russia has enough resources and military equipment to see the war through to a “logical conclusion” with the “desired” outcomes for the country. These materials are part of the documentary film “Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years,” first released on May 4. The publication of this material underscores the strategic intent of the Kremlin to showcase its military and political power to the world, especially ahead of important diplomatic events with a focus on internal and external political goals. At the same time, ISW analysts note that despite the show of strength and rhetoric about being able to bring the war to a logical end, the actual military situation raises concerns. On the battlefield, Russian troops suffer significant losses, which are likely to be unstable in the medium and long term. Additionally, Kremlin leadership continues to make managerial errors regarding the country's economic management, which is currently experiencing rising inflation, a severe labor shortage, and a substantial weakening of the sovereign fund. As a result, experts forecast that in 2026–2027, Putin will face difficult choices when maintaining public trust and military resources will become extremely challenging. In conclusion, the main takeaway is that the Kremlin today is not striving for a quick peace and is not taking real steps to achieve one. Conversely, its strategy is to prolong the conflict as much as possible, keep the situation under control, and use propaganda to create an illusion of military strength. The internal and external rhetoric of the Kremlin vividly demonstrates that the Russian leadership is not interested in a rapid end to the war but is instead seeking to create conditions for a prolonged struggle, aiming to force Ukraine and the world to accept their terms. Over time, this could lead to even greater instability and a breakdown of trust in the Kremlin regime.