Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Ukraine may not endure the upcoming winter, and is therefore unlikely to return to the negotiating table before at least mid-March, according to the First Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Serhii Kyslytsya. Kyslytsya made the remarks in an interview with Ukrinform on Thursday, Aug. 20, telling the news outlet that Moscow currently lacks motivation to enter negotiations and could see winter as an opportunity to weaken Ukrainian society.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Putin now has no desire to sit down at the negotiating table,” Kyslytsya said, adding that “at least until mid-March, he will have even less motivation, because he will believe that Ukrainians are not as strong enough as a nation to survive this winter.” His comments came as Ukraine increasingly continues preparations across all sectors, particularly its air defenses, critical energy and water infrastructure, as well as residents for the upcoming winter. Unity – Ukraine’s strongest defense Kyiv, with its planned strikes, has managed to push Moscow deeper into an economic crisis, especially by widening the fuel shortage that puts pressure directly on Russia’s capital. With oil and gas revenues down 30%, borrowing costs rising sharply, and a soaring budget deficit, Moscow is increasingly relying on debt to sustain military operations. Nevertheless, Russia continues the war with no end date in sight, with the war now approaching its fifth year.