Russian Military Elites Push Putin Towards Military Solutions, Despite Global Concerns
Sources close to the matter have revealed to RBK-Ukraine that Russian military brass, often referred to as "the men in uniform," are urging President Vladimir Putin to resort to military means to resolve current issues. They present him with diverse "options" and insist that Russia should set maximum objectives, discouraging compromise.
Earlier, Putin stated on December 19, "We are always ready for talks and compromises. The problem is that the other party отказалась от переговоров [refused to negotiate]." However, actions on the ground seem to contradict this stance. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has noted that Russia’s steps are at odds with its public calls for peace talks, with an escalation in military activities and air strikes on cities being observed in recent months, particularly involving drones.
Interestingly, a poll by independent Levada Center shows that three-quarters of Russians support the war against Ukraine. However, a shift was observed in October 2024, with more than half of respondents expressing a desire for peace talks, albeit on their own terms. Only 30% are willing to give back seized territories.
Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and First Deputy Minister of Defense (since 2012), is known for his involvement in aggressive Russian military policies, including the occupation of Crimea in 2014, the war in Eastern Ukraine, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He is the developer behind the "Gerasimov Doctrine," a strategy combining military, informational, economic, and other methods to achieve strategic goals, often in a hybrid format.
Gerasimov, who is sanctioned by many countries for his role in Russia’s military aggression, has become a symbol of Russia’s military leadership and its numerous war crimes.
Sources: RBK-Ukraine, Levada Center
