We are now into the twelfth day of hard fighting in what I’m convinced Vladimir Putin thought would be a 48-hour “cakewalk,” to coin an express, to conquer Ukraine.
Many reasons can be given to believe that the Russians are struggling. As a result the Russian Army has reverted back to what they do best: demolishing cities and attacking noncombatants. Although these are not the best tactics available, it is better than nothing.
On Monday morning, Vladimir Putin’s Charlie McCarthy, Dmitry Peskov, announced the Kremlin’s demands.
Dmitry Peskov claimed that Moscow wanted Ukraine to cease its military actions, amend its constitution so it enshrines neutrality, recognize Crimea as Russian territory, recognise Donetsk, Lugansk, as independent states, and stop any further military operations.
It was the most explicit Russian statement so far of the terms it wants to impose on Ukraine to halt what it calls its “special military operation”, now in its 12th day.
Peskov stated to Reuters via telephone that Ukraine was fully aware of these conditions. “And they were told that all this can be stopped in a moment.”
…
But the Kremlin spokesman insisted Russia was not seeking to make any further territorial claims on Ukraine and said it was “not true” that it was demanding Kyiv be handed over.
“We really are finishing the demilitarisation of Ukraine. It will be completed. The main point is that Ukraine stops its military actions. They should stop their military action and then no one will shoot,” he said.
On the issue of neutrality, Peskov said: “They should make amendments to the constitution according to which Ukraine would reject any aims to enter any bloc.”
He added: “We have also spoken about how they should recognise that Crimea is Russian territory and that they need to recognise that Donetsk and Lugansk are independent states. And that’s it. It will stop in a moment.”
This is a very basic guide.
Russia is demanding that Ukrainian troops lay down their arms without a ceasefire and that the Ukrainian military be disbanded or the country “demilitarized,” as Putin calls it. Russians still demand that Ukraine admit the annexation and independence of Donetsk (and Luhansk) Russian puppet countries. They demand that Ukraine forswear any plans to join any “bloc” and embrace neutrality. Russian troops are not likely to leave Ukraine, so there is no guarantee.
A little movement might have occurred. The Russians are no longer demanding that the Zelensky government be replaced (or “denazified” in the charming vernacular of Russian diplomacy) or that the Zelensky government be tried for war crimes for their attempt to put down the AstroTurf “separatist” movement created and maintained by Russia. It may prove to be less dissimulation and more a compromise in the position. The Russians can pursue and punish members of the Ukrainian government if the Ukrainian army is disbanded and they remain in Ukraine. But any sign that Putin is backing off his demand for unconditional surrender and that Ukraine accepts status as a Russian client state because “neutrality” is not possible given Ukraine’s history and location is welcome.
Overall, the proposal is very un-serious and seems more like an info operation targeting Western media. It certainly doesn’t reflect the state of play in Ukraine or how the near future is shaping up. A ceasefire should precede any agreement between Russia, Ukraine and Russia.
About Post Author
