Recently, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced an Easter truce, which, according to the German press, is simply a trap for Ukraine and a show for American president Donald Trump. According to defence expert Carlo Masala, Putin's truce is bait for Trump to signal the American side that the Russian president is curious in ending the war.
Symbolic policy
Masala believes that Putin's announcement corresponds to a well-known Russian tactic, consisting of the usage of provocations and symbolic gestures to propose the another side to the opposite. In this way negotiations can be stalled and, in the event of a fiasco, the another organization can be held responsible. According to Masal, Putin cleverly sets bait for Trump so that he does not turn distant from him.
Expert comments
Daniel Krause, a commentator of the German press, recalled that lately Putin rejected the American proposal for a comprehensive truce without preconditions, which caused force from Washington to increase. Russia and Ukraine accuse each another of torpedoing proposals to halt attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. Trump has late demonstrated publically his discontent with Putin's attitude. Putin's one-sided truce gives the impression of "a plan to appease Trump".
The scepticism of Ukraine
The president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenski is skeptical of the Russian proposal. The truce gives the impression of "a plan aimed at showing the Americans who is the villain in this conflict and placing Ukraine liable for the fiasco of negotiations," explains Krause. According to Krause, Trump would like to see an agreement shortly in Ukrainian-Russian talks, otherwise the Americans will abandon the subject.
Figures
According to UN data, more than 13,000 people have died in Ukraine since the beginning of the war and more than 30,000 have been injured. The war in Ukraine besides caused massive economical damage, estimated at over $100 billion.
Conclusion
Both Krause and Masala consider Putin's truce to be a trap for Ukraine and a show for Trump. Russia's symbolic policy can bring short-term benefits, but it does not solve the problem of the roots themselves. Ukraine must be careful and should not accept the Russian proposal, as this may make Ukraine liable for the failure of negotiations.
Continued here:
Truce as a trap for Ukraine
