Ann: Increased Customer Interest in Ultra High-Purity Graphite, page-46

I am sure you are aware of the Russian perspective - that DPR and LPR are being protected. (Finally, after 8 years.)
If Zelensky doesn't want to negotiate then they run the risk of losing more land to Russia. At that point it isn't only Putin making the decision. (It is a little bit a consequence of choice, maybe?)
I didn't intend to get into a debate about this and derail the thread. Original point was simply to suggest that reported [exaggerated] Russian losses shouldn't be used to think things are getting any better for Ukraine... I think they're looking worse.