Putin issues new demands in peace talks - ISW explains tactics
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian president (Getty Images)
Vladimir Putin is trying to rewrite the reasons for the war in Ukraine and manipulate the conditions for establishing peace, according to the report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to ISW, Putin is intensifying efforts to position Ukraine's government as illegitimate and incapable of negotiating an end to the war.
ISW analysts believe that the Russian leader reiterated his demand to eliminate the so-called "root causes" of the war in Ukraine as a prerequisite for a peace agreement.
This reference aligns with Russia’s initial military demands, which directly contradict the efforts of Ukraine, the US, and Europe to achieve a just and sustainable resolution to the war.
"Putin is attempting to introduce a new requirement into the war settlement discussion, which aligns with the Kremlin’s long-standing efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government," ISW stated.
Putin’s claims on Illegitimacy of Ukraine’s government
The five-year constitutional term of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ends on May 20, 2024. However, due to martial law in the country, elections cannot be held until after the war ends.
Following this date, Putin has repeatedly claimed that Zelenskyy is supposedly no longer the legitimate president.
On March 27, Putin reiterated this message, arguing that Ukraine's civilian government is illegal because the country did not hold presidential elections. Given this, Putin proposed introducing a temporary administration under the auspices of the UN, the US, and European countries to oversee elections in Ukraine.
In response, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggested implementing temporary governance in Russia instead, starting with the city of Vorkuta.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has affirmed the legitimacy of Ukraine’s government and called for its recognition.
