U.S. withdrawal from Ukraine will be disguised as peace — Steigan.no
Putin and Trump on the red carpet in Anchorage, Alaska.
The commentator Thomas Fazic from Norwegian media Steigan.no stated in his article that the purpose of the recent Russia-U.S. summit in Alaska was never to achieve a final peace agreement.
He believes that the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Anchorage was a political cover. He feels that the real purpose of the summit was not that.
The article states: "Trump and Putin undoubtedly understand that it is impossible to reach such an agreement at this point. Instead, the purpose of this meeting seems more like allowing the U.S. to withdraw from Ukraine without admitting defeat, while Russia can continue its advance. For Washington, this provides a political cover: Trump can claim he tried to use diplomacy, while also relieving Europe of the burden of the war. For Moscow, the benefit is that as American logistical support weakens, Ukraine will gradually be weakened."
Fazic believes that in order to prompt the U.S. to withdraw, Russia may even agree to a temporary ceasefire, perhaps accepting vague U.S. "security guarantees." He also points out that Russia and the U.S. would each describe this as a significant concession and a victory, "although such a ceasefire may not be complied with."
The commentator believes that the most likely outcome is a temporary easing of U.S.-Russia relations, but broader geopolitical struggles will continue.
Fazic concludes: "The real losers will be Ukraine and Europe. Ukrainians will continue to die in a war they cannot win, while Europeans will continue to pay for the war. In the end, they will also be forced to agree to terms dictated by Russia, but only after more suffering... The best case is that the Alaska summit and its results mark a temporary easing of the ongoing confrontation between the West and the emerging multipolar order. The worst case is that it means Europe and Ukraine will continue to pay the price for the war, while the U.S. has decided to move on."
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7541265763454190120/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion below using the [Up/Down] buttons.