Putin’s Threats and Violations Challenge US-backed Cease-fire
Vladimir Putin threatens Ukrainian troops, violating a US-backed cease-fire. His recent strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure contradict previous promises to halt attacks. As the US seeks to mediate peace talks, concerns grow over Russia’s commitment to ending the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently threatened to “finish off” Ukrainian troops following a violation of the US-backed partial cease-fire, which included attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. This escalation coincided with strikes ordered on an energy facility in Kherson, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accuse Putin of breaching the fragile cease-fire that was established to pause assaults on energy sites.
Putin had previously indicated that Moscow would cease strikes targeting Ukrainian energy, yet he urged his forces to advance further into Ukraine and intensify their operations. At the International Arctic Forum, he asserted, “I was saying not so long ago: ‘We will finish them off.’ There are reasons to believe that we will finish them off.” He maintained that progress is being made towards achieving the Kremlin’s stated goals in what he calls a “special operation.”
As the United States seeks to mend relations with Russia and facilitate separate dialogues for peace with Russia and Ukraine, recent discussions in Saudi Arabia led to an agreement aimed at banning strikes on energy facilities by both nations. However, ongoing attacks have raised suspicions among Ukrainian and European leaders regarding Russia’s commitment to genuinely ending the conflict.
Former President Trump criticized Russia for their lack of seriousness in negotiations, noting their immediate violation of the ceasefire following a drone strike on Mykolaiv. Putin also expressed intentions to remove Zelensky, advocating for a “transitional administration” in Ukraine, suggesting that current Ukrainian authorities are illegitimate due to Zelensky’s suspension of elections during the conflict.
During his address at the Arctic forum, Putin stated, “We could, of course, discuss with the United States… and… our partners… the possibility of establishing a transitional administration in Ukraine.” He highlighted the aim of conducting a democratic presidential election to establish a government the people could trust, thereby paving the way for peace negotiations.
In summary, Putin’s recent threats and military actions signal a defiance against the US-backed cease-fire, consequently leading to heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The ongoing violations of the cease-fire agreement raise serious questions about the sincerity of Russia’s diplomatic efforts, while discussions of a transitional administration reveal Putin’s desire for significant political changes in Ukraine. As diplomatic negotiations continue, the situation remains precarious, underpinning the urgency for a legitimate peace process.
Original Source: nypost.com
