Military officials surrounding Putin have pushed "businessmen" to the background, according to sources.

In Moscow, the military faction has significantly strengthened its position. Various generals, led by Gerasimov, have sidelined the so-called "businessmen" who were involved in the decision-making process a few years ago and who were relatively amenable to negotiation.

This is mentioned in a piece by RBC-Ukraine "Peace or Nothing? What Trump is Preparing for Ukraine and Are There Chances for the War to End in 2025".

According to informed sources speaking to RBC-Ukraine, the "epaulettes" are pushing Putin to resolve all issues solely through military means, showing him various "nuts" and assuring him that Russia should set maximum goals rather than seek compromises.

Recall that Vladimir Putin stated on December 19: "We are always ready for negotiations and compromises. It’s just that the opposing side has refused to negotiate."

Meanwhile, the IMF noted that Russia's actions are at odds with its public calls for peaceful negotiations. In recent months, there has been an escalation of military actions and an increase in airstrikes on cities. Specifically, air attacks, particularly using drones, have intensified in recent months.

According to the independent "Levada Center," three-quarters of Russians support the war against Ukraine. In October 2024, more than half want peace negotiations, but on their own terms, with only 30% willing to return the occupied territories.

Valery Gerasimov is the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and the First Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia (since 2012).

Gerasimov is known for his involvement in Russia's aggressive military policy, including the occupation of Crimea (2014), the war in Eastern Ukraine, and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine (2022).

He is the author of a concept that Western analysts refer to as the "Gerasimov Doctrine." This doctrine combines military, informational, economic, and other methods to achieve strategic goals, often in a hybrid format.

Gerasimov is under sanctions from many countries for his role in Russia's military aggression. He is one of the symbols of the Russian military leadership responsible for numerous war crimes.