Putin’s Strategy to Dynamite Ukraine’s Peace Summit in Switzerland

Recent statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions to disrupt the peace summit in Switzerland, sparking questions about Moscow’s potential tactics to undermine the event.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions to disrupt the peace summit in Switzerland

Now, insights into Moscow’s strategy are emerging.

According to Reuters, citing anonymous Russian sources, the Kremlin is purportedly willing to engage in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine.

However, this willingness comes with a caveat: Putin’s vision entails freezing the conflict while maintaining control over occupied Ukrainian territories.

This revelation raises eyebrows, as it suggests a contradictory stance—willingness to both end and continue the war. The apparent illogic in Russia’s proposals begs the question: why pursue peace talks if the option to continue the war remains on the table?

The answer lies in Putin’s broader objective: to thwart any peace initiatives by Ukraine and the West. While signaling a readiness for negotiations, Moscow seeks to dictate the terms, effectively stalling progress and perpetuating the conflict—an outcome for which it is also prepared.

This strategic maneuver undermines the legitimacy of peace efforts, portraying Ukraine and its allies as intransigent while positioning Russia as a constructive partner.

This calculated approach has garnered support from leaders of the Global South, torn between Ukrainian and Russian overtures.

Reluctant to strain relations with Moscow, they may opt to abstain from the peace summit in Lucerne, aligning with Putin’s agenda.

By abstaining, they reinforce the narrative that peace is contingent on Ukrainian concessions—a narrative propagated by Moscow to maintain its grip on occupied territories.

Notably, China has emerged as a key ally in Moscow’s diplomatic efforts. Chinese envoys have toured Global South capitals, advocating for a peace plan that mirrors Russia’s stance.

This Sino-Brazilian initiative, endorsed by President Xi Jinping and bolstered by Brazilian President Lula Ignacio da Silva’s reluctance to attend the summit, presents a formidable challenge to Western-backed proposals.

In light of these developments, U.S. President Joe Biden’s reluctance to attend the summit is understandable. The competing visions of peace—Ukrainian aspirations for territorial integrity versus Russian-backed calls for a ceasefire—threaten to overshadow the event.

As Global South countries rally behind the Sino-Brazilian plan, Ukraine risks being portrayed as obstructionist, while Russia cultivates an image of diplomatic pragmatism.

Despite the risks posed by Moscow’s strategy, countries with amicable ties to Putin are likely to lend their support, prioritising geopolitical interests over Ukrainian sovereignty.

As the diplomatic tug-of-war intensifies, the fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance, caught between competing narratives of peace and perpetuation of conflict.

Read also:

Peace Talks: Russia not Interested in “Meaningful” Negotiations, says Swiss Government

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