Ukraine may have to make concessions in peace negotiations, agree to temporary solutions, and then try to resolve the situation diplomatically, said the commander of the National Armed Forces (NAF) Kaspars Pūdaņs in an interview with the LETA agency.
Speaking about Ukraine's ability to withstand the aggressor, Pūdaņs noted that its resilience depends on the support of Western countries, which must continue. At the same time, he pointed out that Western states "cannot provide people," and Ukraine itself will have to make "painful decisions" regarding mobilization and the motivation of additional forces.
According to Pūdaņs, Western countries must demonstrate support and provide physical assistance so that Ukraine has weaponry capable of inflicting losses on the enemy. Much in terms of supplying arms is also done by the Ukrainians themselves, but components provided by the West are also needed, the commander of the National Armed Forces added.
"What we are currently hearing regarding peace negotiations indicates that achieving a ceasefire aligns with Ukraine's interests in order not to prolong the war. Unfortunately, it must be understood that Ukraine may have to make concessions, agree to temporary solutions, and then try to resolve the situation diplomatically. We hope that Russia will agree to this as well," emphasized Pūdaņs.
He expressed the opinion that certain optimism is instilled by reports that Russia's resources may run out at some point.
"Russia will only talk about this when it becomes clear that society may at some point change its position and start protesting," suggested the commander of the National Armed Forces.
Commenting on the fact that the war in Ukraine has lasted longer than the so-called Great Patriotic War, as mentioned by Soviet propaganda, and that Russian society is willing to endure such losses, Pūdaņs said that this seems to be part of national identity.
This was also mentioned by Latvian researchers from the Defense Academy, he noted. In particular, Pūdaņs referred to the theory of security researcher Tom Rostoks about the "strategy of suffering" among the Russian population.
"If you look at it, it is indeed the case. This was evident during the so-called Great Patriotic War in the years of World War II. A person means nothing to them; they are ready to endure and tolerate. Peasants were willing to endure what their tsar and leader did. It seems that this has not changed — they are ready to endure even now. This is based on education, history, and traditions. Perhaps it is perceived as their fate, as their calling — to suffer," expressed Pūdaņs.
Speaking about the reasons and forces that could overthrow the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Pūdaņs briefly replied that only the people of Russia could do this.
"Of course, there are many things we do not see. Maybe something is happening somewhere, but unfortunately, Russia has great capabilities to quickly suppress it. This was the case in Soviet times, and it was also the case with the submarine 'Kursk'," emphasized Pūdaņs.
