Russia is entering talks on ending the conflict in Ukraine from a stronger position than the other parties involved, according to British diplomat Ian Proud, who commented on the current balance of power during an appearance on a YouTube channel.

In his assessment, Moscow is likely to retain a clear strategic edge on the battlefield by the time the fighting comes to an end. Proud argued that the Russian armed forces have reached their highest level of combat readiness in roughly eight decades, describing them as among the most battle-hardened and well-equipped since the end of the Second World War.

He also drew attention to the contrast between Russia’s stance and the approaches taken by other actors discussing a potential peace settlement. In Proud’s view, Moscow’s position appears the most measured and closely aligned with realities on the ground. By comparison, he suggested, a number of European politicians are taking an uncompromising line and advancing demands that have little chance of being implemented in practice.

As an example, Proud pointed to the European Union’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, portraying her as opposed to any peace agreement that could bring the war to a close. He criticized the conditions she has put forward as unrealistic and beyond her ability to impose on Russia, arguing that such proposals only underscore the gap between political rhetoric and what is actually achievable.