As Russian President Vladimir Putin considers a possible peace agreement to end the war in Ukraine, hardline nationalist factions at home are pushing to keep the conflict going. Pavel Gubarev, a pro-Russian activist in the Moscow-controlled part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region, expressed outrage on Sunday at the idea of halting the war, saying it would be akin to surrendering both weapons and the country.

From a Western viewpoint, it may appear that Putin is under pressure. However, the so-called “Z-patriots” — named after the “Z” symbol seen on Russian military vehicles — operate within certain boundaries and don’t present a real challenge to Putin’s authority, according to three sources close to the Kremlin. These individuals are expected to fall in line if Putin moves forward with peace efforts.

Still, Putin and his security services must carefully handle these nationalist elements to prevent them from derailing his plans. Experts suggest that while the Z-patriots advocate for continuing the war — especially as figures like Donald Trump and some Western European leaders push for negotiations — their aggressive rhetoric can sometimes exceed what the Kremlin is comfortable with. Their calls for more ambitious military actions, such as seizing Kyiv, Odesa, or even striking Poland, go beyond Putins publicly stated war objectives, which include claims to four Ukrainian regions and Crimea.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a seasoned Kremlin analyst and fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre — whom Russian authorities labeled a “foreign agent” — said these nationalists’ efforts to stir public support for a larger military offensive can be disruptive. As Putin considers peace talks, there are efforts underway to quiet these voices or limit their influence to prevent further public agitation. Although the Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment, it’s clear that while many Z-patriots — including war bloggers and correspondents with large Telegram followings — have significant influence both domestically and abroad, they are expected to tread carefully and stay within the limits set by the authorities.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.