Currently, Putin's main goal is the annexation of Donbass, and specifically the complete seizure of the Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk Districts. They are still not under Russia's control. The hardest fights are ongoing in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian troops control about a quarter of this region.
For Putin, eliminating the belt of Donetsk fortresses would be a key success in this war. If Ukraine voluntarily gave the strengthened areas to Russia, Putin with one move – even at the expense of suspension of weapons – would secure what his troops cannot achieve on the battlefield for years. Putin's Russian soldiers would suddenly be 82 km away west. They would have a free way to take the rest of Ukraine in the event of a again attack. Does the West just contribute to the implementation of this ominous scenario?
During the recent peak in Washington Donald Trump and several European leaders apparently They tried to soften the hard position of Wołodymyr Zelanski.
“Radio Free Europe”, reporting conversations taking place in the capital of the United States, reported that “Zelnski is currently under the pressure of both Trump and European politicians regarding territorial concessions.”
Continuation of the material under the video
The President of Ukraine was to respond with his own request. If Ukraine was to give up some areas, American soldiers would have to appear on Ukrainian land. Only in this case could Kyiv talk about the possible withdrawal of Russia with some territories.
The European troops themselves are not enough for Kiev as a security guarantee before Putin's next attack.
Second act. The Kremlin blocks the postulate
Europeans appealed to Trump to make Putin to accept Western soldiers as a security guarantee. Meanwhile, during the summit, which took place Washington, the Kremlin stated that Russia will not agree to the presence of soldiers from NATO countries in Ukraine [Federacja Rosyjska także wcześniej wyrażała takie stanowisko].
“We confirm our position that we repeatedly reject all scenarios providing for sending a military contingent with the participation of NATO countries to Ukraine, which could lead to uncontrolled escalation of the conflict with unpredictable consequences” – said a spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Moscow, Maria Sakharowa.
Maksim Konstantinov / Sopa Images / Lightrocket via Getty Images / Contributor / Getty Images
Spokeswoman for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maria Sacharowa
Three act. Trump leaves Ukraine on ice
On Tuesday, August 19, in an interview with Fox News, the US president ruled out sending American soldiers to Ukraine. When asked whether he guarantees that no American soldier will defend the Ukrainian border, he replied: “You have my assurance as president.”
Trump also blocked Ukraine membership in NATO again [wcześniej mówił o tym m.in. amerykański generał Keith Kellog]. He stated that ensuring the safety of Ukrainians lies with Europeans: “Some of them [europejskich państw] – France, Germany, Great Britain – they want to have soldiers in place, “he said. The United States could, however, participate in activities, for example, providing aviation support.
In this way, the possible solution “The assignment of territories in exchange for security guarantees” was rejected before it even hit the negotiating table. Kyiv is therefore forced to give the land, but does not even receive any assurances in return. This puts Ukraine in a tragic position and postpones at the end of the Russian invasion. Instead of force Kiev to make concessions, the West should strengthen its negotiating position, and not strive to weaken it.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
