As the anniversary of the Ukraine conflict approaches, Vladimir Putin's conspicuous silence on the matter raises questions about the Kremlin's narrative and the general sentiment among the Russian populace. The article provides insights from Jiří Just, a correspondent in Moscow, who notes that the term 'war' is practically taboo in Russia, with more than sixty percent of Russians wishing for peace at the earliest opportunity. However, many envision this peace as contingent on external pressures, such as Donald Trump compelling Ukrainian President Zelensky to concede parts of Eastern Ukraine, rather than through genuine compromise.

The article further elaborates on the resigned acceptance of the war among Russians, who have integrated it into their daily lives to the extent that protests have ceased to occur over the past four years. This sentiment reveals a complex psyche among citizens, where they acknowledge the ongoing conflict but feel powerless to effect change, leading to widespread apathy. In essence, while the populace longs for an end to hostilities, the nature of their envisioned resolution suggests deep-seated misconceptions about the war’s implications and the reality of geopolitical negotiations.

Kremlin officials have mostly avoided direct commentary on the war's anniversary, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov framing the conflict as a struggle against the West and asserting that Russia is achieving its military objectives. Putin's reluctance to comment could stem from an enduring lack of clarity about the war’s direction and the desires of ordinary Russians, highlighting an ongoing disconnect between government messaging and public sentiment.