Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions to eliminate Ukrainian statehood suggest that he has no plans to conclude the ongoing conflict, according to prominent opposition figure Garry Kasparov.
Kasparov emphasized that the war’s underlying cause remains unarticulated, stating that until the core issue—Putin’s desire to dismantle Ukraine’s sovereignty and restore Russian imperial influence in Eastern Europe—is recognized, discussions about peace are futile.
He warned that any compromise aimed at ending the war would likely result in Putin regrouping for further aggression, as the conflict is not confined to Ukraine but represents a broader struggle against Western liberal democracies.
“Putin’s war is a global conflict, and he embodies the illiberal segment of the world,” Kasparov asserted. He further noted that any attempts to negotiate peace without addressing the root causes are bound to fail.
“Ukraine might consider some form of compromise, but it is clear that the war cannot conclude as long as Putin remains in power. Everything else is just a distraction. Putin is synonymous with war; Russia under his leadership is a military camp. While the conflict may not end with his departure, it certainly will not cease while he is in charge,” he added.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had also indicated that Putin does not intend to end the war, fearing his own populace and viewing the conflict as essential for maintaining his grip on power.
In response to potential violations of any peace agreement by Moscow, Ukraine, along with the United States and European allies, has developed a contingency plan. This strategy includes both diplomatic and military responses, allowing for a coordinated reaction from allies within 72 hours in the event of a significant new offensive by Russia.
Garry Kasparov argues that Vladimir Putin's war against Ukraine will persist as long as he remains in power, emphasizing that any peace efforts must address the root causes of the conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine and its allies prepare for potential breaches of peace agreements by Russia.