Putin's lies exposed as autocrat bluffs Russia 'ready for talks' over Ukraine 'tragedy'
EXCLUSIVE: Vladimir Putin's comments at the virtual G20 summit are not a genuine step towards a peace settlement, but rather a pretext for "Ukrainian capitulation", a geopolitical analyst has warned.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has been branded a brazen liar after claiming he's willing for negotiate an end to his invasion of Ukraine.
David Lewis, Professor of Global Politics at the University of Exeter, provided insights into Vladimir Putin's recent comments at the virtual G20 summit, where he expressed Russia's willingness for talks to end the "tragedy" of the war in Ukraine.
Putin's assertion that Russia has always been "ready for talks" marks a notable shift in rhetoric, presenting a facade of openness to diplomatic solutions.
However, as Professor Lewis pointed out, this is not a substantial change in Russia's position.
“Putin has frequently claimed that Russia is ready for 'talks', but what he has in mind are talks on Russian terms - effectively meaning Ukrainian capitulation.
"At a minimum, Moscow is demanding Ukrainian recognition of Russia's territorial annexations, and some form of Ukrainian neutrality and 'demilitarisation' in a new European security order. That is what Putin means by 'ending the tragedy.' But that position remains unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies."
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The Russian leader's remarks at the G20 summit might be aimed at portraying Russia's stance as reasonable, especially to non-Western countries.
Putin’s comments came just one day before currently visiting Minsk to participate in the next session of the CSTO Collective Security Council, an intergovernmental military alliance consisting of six post-Soviet states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, formed in 2002.
The Council aims to enhance collective security and cooperation among its member states. It discusses and makes decisions on key aspects of cooperation within the organization, focusing on the improvement of the collective security system. The council also addresses topical international and regional issues that are relevant to the security and stability of the member states.
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In the context of recent events involving Russia's relations with Ukraine, it is thought the agenda may include discussions on regional security, cooperation among member states, and responses to international developments.
Lewis added: "Putin's goal at the G20 was probably to make Russia's position look more reasonable to non-Western countries. He also hopes to build pressure on Ukraine at a time when Kyiv is facing concerns at home and abroad about its further strategy."
While there might be individuals on both sides who would welcome a ceasefire, Professor Lewis suggested that Putin could be eyeing further gains in the war if Western support for Ukraine weakens in the coming years, possibly in 2024.
The most recent Russian operations also point to the hollowness of Putin’s statement. A recent Russian strike on a hospital in Ukraine's southern town of Selydove resulted in the death of three people, according to emergency services.
The strike damaged not only the hospital buildings but also a nearby coal mine, causing injuries to at least eight individuals.
Despite Moscow's denial of targeting civilians, the United Nations reports that over 10,000 civilians have lost their lives in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, with the actual toll expected to be much higher.
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