The event was hosted by Chatham House in London, the Royal Institute of International Affairs. The main subject was Putin’s War, as the Russian invasion of Ukraine should be called, but the most significant part was in the forum where President Zelensky defined the terms for ending the war.
When Russian troops crossed the border with Ukraine on February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin set out his goals for his cakewalk to Kiev as 1) removal of the “nazis” and “drug addicts” ruling Ukraine, 2) disbanding the Ukrainian armed forces, 3) banning membership in NATO and requiring permanent “neutrality,” 4) banning “nazi” influences in Ukrainian politics, 5) recognizing the annexation of Crimea as legal, and 6) recognizing the independence of the fake republics created by Putin in 2014. In addition to those demands, Putin demanded that Russian be made an official “second” language of Ukraine because the number of Russian speakers in Ukraine has dropped about ten percentage points since Ukrainian independence, and it is difficult to meddle and create divisions unless you have a pressure point like language.
If you want to look for a model for these demands, you should look at the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s ultimatum to Serbia in July 1914. Just like Austro-Hungary demands required Serbia to give Vienna control of Serbia’s foreign and domestic policy, Putin’s terms for ending the war were nothing less than making Ukraine a province of Russia. These outrageously inappropriate demands received the ridicule they so richly deserved. After Ukraine refused to accept it, the proposal was not serious.
Although there were a handful of meetings between Orcs and Ukrainians since the invasion, very little activity has been seen. Ukraine’s position has remained that any cease-fire must be accompanied by Russian forces withdrawing to their positions as of February 23. Talks on Donetsk and Crimea must be held after the cessation or withdrawal of all hostilities. The results of these discussions, which include the votes of refugees, will determine the outcome of a national referendum. Referendum amending the constitution will decide the status and rights of Russian languages. There has not been any offer from Ukraine to give Putin even the possibility of victory. READ Proposed ‘Fifteen Point Peace Plan’ in Russia-Ukraine War Is a Total Defeat for Putin, but Zelensky Is Biding His Time, and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Reaches Its Culmination Point and Zelensky Plays Hardball in the Peace Negotiations.
Despite what Putin’s fellatistos say, 1) Ukraine, not NATO or the EU, makes the decision on when to negotiate and what terms are acceptable, 2) Russia has made no effort to end the war short of demanding unconditional surrender by Ukraine, and 3) no one in the West is forcing Ukraine to fight, that was a decision made by President Zelensky on February 24 (“The fight is here; I need ammunition, not a ride”) and has been ratified thousands of times each day since as Ukrainian soldiers fight for their country’s independence.
In yesterday’s forum, President Zelensky upped the ante.
Volodymyr Zelesky, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky presented his Friday conditions for entering peace talks. These included a restoration preinvasion border, return of over 5 million refugees and membership to the European Union. Kyiv also needs accountability from Russian military leadership before it will consider giving up its arms.
Zelensky’s slate of requirements, which he listed during an online forum organized by Chatham House, are in direct conflict with the military objectives Russian leaders have articulated as they bear down on the Donbas region and southern Ukraine — inflicting additional casualties Friday in apparent violation of a cease-fire.
Newsweek provides more details.
Zelensky addressed a virtual meeting of the British Chatham House think tank on Friday, telling attendees that Ukraine wants to “regain our territories” and that his country has “a bright future,” despite “the cruelty of the Russian forces.”
The president said his priority is the “integrity of our borders” and the ability of all displaced people to return to their homes.
“I was elected by the people of Ukraine as president of Ukraine, not as president of a mini-Ukraine of some kind,” Zelensky said to a question about Kyiv’s conditions for a peace deal with Russia.
“This is a very important point, and I would like us to realize we need some arrangements in terms of talks to stop the killing.”
“We can use diplomatic channels to regain our territories,” the president said. The minimum Zelensky’s government expects, he said, is to return to “the security of the situation as of the 23rd of February,” one day before Russia’s latest invasion.
“They have to fall back and go beyond the contact lines, and they should withdraw the troops,” Zelensky said. “In that situation, we’ll be able to start discussing things normally. To withdraw from the situation, they must speak up and start to communicate.
This is the most significant takeaway. President Zelensky believes he can prevail. While Russia has backed off the demands for disbanding the Ukrainian armed forces and changing the regime in Kiev in favor of a land grab along the Black Sea, Zelensky’s terms have hardened.
Russia must leave Ukraine in order for the war to be over. Zelensky insists that any ceasefire be followed by the complete withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine.
The Russian-created Bantustans created for Russian speakers will be destroyed by Ukraine. Moscow, not Donetsk or Luhansk will return control to the fake republics. This will be a bitter pill for Putin to swallow, but it is getting safer to say that he no longer has the initiative in the war he started, and he doesn’t have the power to impose his will. Western aid, military and economic, will keep Ukraine in the fight longer than Russia can sustain its “special military operation.”
Crimea’s future as Russian territory is less than certain. Russia cannot hope to get anything out of the situation except for continuing what Kiev regards as illegal occupation. casus belliFor a future war, one Russia won’t like.
Ukraine will become a quasi-member of NATO or the EU upon its exit from this conflict. NATO will share its weaponry, training, and equipment. All of its commercial relationships will be with Western Europe and not Russia.
Ukraine will not let the war crimes committed with the knowledge and acquiescence of Putin’s general pass. It will indict the Russians involved in the crimes either under or directly. I believe they will face charges in Kiev and not The Hague.
While no one is sure how this war will turn out, there are some things you can be sure of. Right now, neither side is in the mood to talk about a cease-fire; the only people calling for a ceasefire are the Putin-bots watching the Russians get their clock cleaned and trying to preserve their man-god’s aura of invincibility. The second thing is that Putin’s splendid little adventure in Ukraine will prove a costly miscalculation. Russia’s prestige is taking a pounding; its role as self-appointed protector of Russians abroad is a joke punchline, it will be a generation before its economy or armed forces return to the status quo anteas of February 24, no one is anymore afraid of Russian military forces.
Transcript provided by the Office for the President
Today was busy. We began by awarding heroes to our defenders.
On the occasion of Infantry Day – a professional holiday of Ukrainian warriors who are the foundation of the army, I met with our servicemen in the morning. I thanked them for their services. Received awards. Including our new – combat – award.
As you all know, there has not been a combat award in this country since independence. Today, I was able to present this award. The Cross of Military Merit. The Cross of Military Merit was presented to General Valerii Zaluzhny (Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of Ukraine). You have shown courage and wisdom by organizing a strong rebuke against the Russian invasion. This rebuke will be remembered by the Russian Army for a very long time.
Lieutenant General Yevhen Moysiuk is the Deputy commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Also, the combat medic of the 72nd separat mechanized regiment, Sergeant Dariya Mazarenko, Commander of a 14th distinct mechanized division, Colonel Oleksandr OKhrimenko, was the Deputy Commandant of the mechanized battalion of 73rd separate mechanizedbrigade.
The award of combat medals is an interesting tradition that honors the state’s ability to defend its sovereignty on the battlefield.
A special award “For Courage and Bravery” was also established for combat units that showed extraordinary courage and effectiveness in the battles for Ukraine. Seven brigades received it.
The Orders of the Golden Star were also given to the defenders of Ukraine who received the title of Hero of Ukraine. I also presented the Orders of the Golden Star to our defenders who received this title posthumously.
With the assistance of the United Nations, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, we continue the evacuation from Mariupol to Azovstal. During the day, our team organized rescue for more than 40 civilians – women and children. We hope that soon they will be able to arrive in a safe area after two months of shelling, just underground – in shelters.
Also, we are looking at diplomatic alternatives to save the military personnel who remain at Azovstal. We are working with influential mediators. Influential states.
Russian troops continued to shell our territory using missiles and aerial strikes. I ask all our citizens – especially these days – not to ignore the air raid sirens. It is important that you and your family live a healthy life. Respect the curfew and public order regulations within your communities and cities.
Respect the prohibition on forest visits in occupied territories. There is a great danger of tripwire and mines that were left behind by the Russian military.
The foreign ministers from three Baltic states met me in Kyiv. They support us in our fight against Russian aggression. From the beginning. It was a great experience. Today, like always, we spoke thoroughly for Ukraine’s benefit. We have coordinated our efforts to put more pressure on Russia.
And this is especially important now – when the European Union is preparing a new, already sixth, sanctions package on Russia.
Chatham House is a very important British expert platform. I was also part of a discussion. It is one of the most important international platforms for political work and lobbying – in the good sense of the word – useful government decisions. Below I outline our plans to upgrade the global security infrastructure. This will allow us to respond quickly to any aggression from the outside.
Addressed Icelandic Parliament. I thanked Iceland’s Government and its people for supporting sanctions against Russia. Also, I called upon Icelandic diplomats, politicians and citizens to defend freedom. They were to promote freedom. Ukraine supporters They share our freedom. As with all the other countries of freedom.
It is this extraordinary strength that the Ukrainian position has. We are defending ourselves from the relentless tyranny which seeks to eliminate all that freedom offers to individuals and to states. And such a struggle – for freedom and against tyranny – is quite comprehensible for any society, in any corner of our planet.
Tonight, I signed decrees to award our heroes. Ukraine’s brave defenders are to be thanked for their resilience and will continue to fight despite all that Russia is trying.
So, 203 military personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received their awards. 16 personnel were also awarded to the Main Intelligence Directorate.
All infantry soldiers deserve my sincere congratulations on this professional holiday.
We are all defenders of the truth!
All those who sacrificed their lives in Ukraine will be remembered forever!
Ukraine, Glory!
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