From geopolitical complexities to diplomatic missteps, Putin's insights illuminate the multifaceted nature of international relations. In a riveting exchange with Tucker Carlson, the President of Russia, offered a deep dive into the complex tapestry of events preceding the conflict in Ukraine, unraveling NATO's involvement and the obstacles hindering a resolution.
Putin began by addressing the historical context of Ukraine's relationship with NATO, highlighting the contentious issue of NATO expansion. He criticized the lack of guarantees and the pressure exerted on countries like Ukraine to align with NATO, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue and respect for sovereignty.
"We're ready to talk. But with whom? Where are the guarantees? None," Putin emphasized, underscoring the importance of ensuring mutual trust and understanding in diplomatic engagements.
The discussion then turned to the events of 2014, characterized by the ousting of President Yanukovych and the subsequent turmoil in Ukraine. Putin described these events as a coup orchestrated with the support of Western powers, particularly the United States. He expressed dismay at the failure of diplomatic efforts and the escalation of violence in Donbass.
"A coup d’état was committed... The armed opposition committed a coup in Kyiv. What is that supposed to mean?" Putin questioned, highlighting the destabilizing impact of external interference in Ukraine's internal affairs.
Putin asserted that the conflict in Ukraine was instigated by a coup, despite the existence of a signed agreement between the government of Yanukovich and the opposition, guaranteed by Germany, Poland, and France. He criticized the European countries for neglecting their role as guarantors and supporting the coup. Putin questioned the motives behind the coup, emphasizing that Yanukovich had agreed to all conditions, including early elections.
Putin further accused the CIA of orchestrating the coup, leading to unnecessary bloodshed. He also expressed Russia's opposition to NATO expansion into Ukraine and objected to NATO bases being established without consultation.
“CIA did its job to complete the coup. I think one of the Deputy Secretaries of State said that it cost a large sum of money, almost 5bn. But the political mistake was colossal! Why would they have to do that? All this could have been done legally, without victims, without military action, without losing Crimea. We would have never considered to even lift a finger, if it hadn’t been for the bloody developments on Maidan,” Putin noted.
He highlighted the Ukrainian leadership's refusal to implement the Minsk Agreements, signed to settle the conflict in Donbass, as a further source of tension. Putin criticized the lack of commitment from both Ukrainian and European leaders, accusing them of leading Russia astray.
A key point of contention raised by Putin was the issue of denazification in Ukraine. He highlighted the glorification of figures associated with Nazi collaboration and emphasized the importance of eradicating neo-Nazi ideologies. Putin underscored the need for legislative measures to combat extremism and promote reconciliation.
"We have to get rid of those people who maintain this concept and support this practice and try to preserve it – that is what denazification is," Putin asserted, advocating for decisive action to address the roots of extremism in Ukrainian society.
Regarding the prospects for peace talks, Putin expressed frustration with the Ukrainian leadership's reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue. He cited the banning of negotiations with Russia as a significant obstacle to conflict resolution. Despite efforts to reach agreements, Putin lamented the breakdown of negotiations following the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kyiv.
“As soon as we pulled back our troops from Kyiv, our Ukrainian negotiators immediately threw all our agreements reached in Istanbul into the bin and got prepared for a longstanding armed confrontation with the help of the United States and its satellites in Europe. That is how the situation has developed. And that is how it looks now,” Putin explained, highlighting the disruptive influence of external actors on peace efforts.
When questioned about his communication with President Biden, Putin confirmed that he had not spoken to him since before the conflict escalated in February 2022. He acknowledged ongoing contacts between Russia and the United States but refrained from commenting further on their discussions.
Furthermore, Putin dismissed the notion of American soldiers fighting in Ukraine as a "provocation" and questioned the rationale behind such actions. He highlighted the presence of mercenaries from various countries in Ukraine, including the U.S., but emphasized that sending regular troops would escalate tensions globally.
“Do the United States need this? What for? Thousands of miles away from your national territory! Don't you have anything better to do?,” Putin voiced.
Putin suggested that the U.S. has more pressing domestic issues, such as border security, migration, and national debt, and urged for negotiations and agreements with Russia instead of military involvement in Ukraine. He advocated for a return to common sense and respect for Russia's interests in finding rational solutions to the ongoing conflict.
“You have issues on the border, issues with migration, issues with the national debt – more than $33 trillion. You have nothing better to do, so you should fight in Ukraine? Wouldn't it be better to negotiate with Russia?” Putin added.
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