Russia is ready for a ceasefire, but only on the terms of Ukraine’s capitulation and lifting of sanctions – political scientist Andrii Horodnytskyi
Russia is trying to present itself as a side allegedly ready to stop hostilities, but in reality it is about ultimatum demands equivalent to Ukraine’s capitulation. Political scientist Andrii Horodnytskyi said this in an interview with OstroV.
"When they say that russia does not want to cease fire – that’s not true. Russia wants to cease fire, but there are several 'buts'. The first is Ukraine’s capitulation. That is, the fire will stop on the terms of capitulation. The second is at least partial lifting of sanctions on russia. And the third is not interfering with russia continuing its policy of impunity not only in Ukraine, but in the entire region. If these conditions are met – then it will cease fire", - said Andrii Horodnytskyi.
According to him, without such concessions, moscow is not interested in a truce, since this would mean stagnation for the russian system.
"Otherwise it’s not interested, because that means stagnation, and there will be very few options for russia’s existence. It understands this perfectly and this is exactly what it is pushing on Trump. At the same time, Trump also realizes that these conditions are impossible", - the political scientist explained.
The expert also drew attention to another possible prospect – a situational ceasefire followed by russia moving towards cooperation with the United States.
"At the same time, another perspective opens up: to cease fire and begin cooperation with the United States. There are nuances here. China doesn’t particularly want this, but also does nothing to prevent it. It is in fact not financing russia economically, we don’t see any support in resources. But in the military sphere there is support, both directly and through North Korea. Not for free, but it goes on. Everything else – so far zero", - summed up Andrii Horodnytskyi.