The Kremlin has reactivated Viktor Medvedchuk to prepare Russian society for a protracted war and to justify its refusal to engage in peace negotiations.
This assessment comes from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based on an analysis of the politician's recent interview with Russian propagandists.
Speaking to the TASS news agency, Medvedchuk delivered a core message: "There will be no peace in Ukraine" in 2026. He reiterated Moscow’s standard talking points, claiming that "time is on Russia's side" and that the Kremlin is supposedly capable of achieving its military goals without any agreements. He also revived narratives about a "war with the West" and labeled the Ukrainian government "illegitimate," ruling out elections unless they follow a Russian scenario.
ISW analysts believe Moscow is deliberately using Medvedchuk as a mouthpiece to articulate its most radical positions, presenting them as the opinion of a "Ukrainian representative." This strategy aims to preemptively dismiss any peace initiatives currently being discussed by Ukraine, the United States, and the EU.
"The Kremlin is likely preparing to fully reject any proposals that do not involve meeting all of its demands, regardless of the content or international support for these initiatives," the Institute’s experts emphasized.