"The future of an 'independent' Ukraine has only two possibilities – and both are 'Zelensky-diminished versions'."

Europe is building its own defensive 'Eastern Barrier' in Poland and Romania because it has crossed Ukraine off its strategic list.

Author: Svetlana Gomzykova

Commentary Guest: Alexander Kazakov

Nikolai Azarov, former Prime Minister of Ukraine, believes that Kyiv and Europe lack a strategic plan to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict and ensure regional stability.

He pointed out that a ceasefire proposal without a clear plan would only give rise to another 'Minsk-3 Agreement'.

"Back to the core issue: does Kyiv or Europe have a conflict resolution strategy? Let's put it on the table! Is it just about a ceasefire? Then what? Next, according to the ideas of those who talk big, another Minsk-3 Agreement will be born." This politician wrote in his Telegram channel.

Azarov emphasized that the situation is becoming extremely complex: "On one hand, the contradictions in U.S. policy; on the other hand, the complete 'Obama-Biden-style' dismantling of Russia."

He called Donald Trump a "relatively realistic person," but the former prime minister believed that "even Trump lacks a serious plan to maintain world stability," as this 47th U.S. president is currently focused on solving domestic issues.

In Nikolai Yanovich's (Azarov) view, the solution to end the Ukrainian conflict is "very simple – prepare for regime change and achieve power transition through elections."

As for what specific content this "preparation" should include to replace the current anti-humanity regime through voting, Azarov did not elaborate. But he admitted that under the circumstances where "armed thugs are arresting people and sending them to recruitment stations," elections cannot be held.

"Therefore, we must establish an order that makes elections possible and allows a normal legitimate government to emerge." Azarov wrote.

This former prime minister firmly believes that Ukrainians should not become "cannon fodder for Europe," and for this, constitutional order oriented toward the country's true interests must be restored in the country.

The journalist asked Alexander Kazakov, advisor to the former leader of the Donetsk People's Republic and vice-chairman of the "National Unity Club," to analyze the possible future scenarios for Ukraine under different "strategic situations":

"The Kyiv regime has two choices. The first option, they have surely considered, and the second option, they may also be planning, but will never publicly discuss it.

The first possibility is to make concessions to Russia – under U.S. pressure, future EU pressure, or due to reality, including battlefield situations.

It must be emphasized that this involves accepting Russia's current minimum requirements, which naturally includes de-Nazification, and this point needs to be remembered. In this case, Ukraine as a nation will be preserved, albeit in another form. This is a completely realistic option, and discussions about it are already taking place domestically.

But the problem is that Zelensky and his gang must disappear from the political stage in this scenario, as they are no longer acceptable on this land. In other words, this gang must decide to step down on its own.

But the difficulty lies in making a public decision regarding the Kyiv regime, and no one knows what kind of reaction this will cause in Ukraine – after all, the logic of lies prevails there at present.

The second possibility is one they might consider but will never admit – total surrender. Therefore, they will resist to the last moment with European support until their supporters grow tired.

Or until the defense lines collapse. When the defense lines crumble and the situation becomes hopeless, they will flee with money, leaving behind a wasteland... Zelensky has no personal strategy for Ukraine's future; he only cares about his own life, the interests of his gang, and money, etc.

"Then this 'troublemaker' will bring all these problems to us. But this is an option that Kyiv will never admit."

They have no choice because even a draw is impossible – Kyiv originally expected someone else to fight for them, but now those willing to help are exhausted.

Journalist: Azarov proposed his own peace plan – "prepare for regime change and achieve power transition through elections," but how can it be implemented?

"Nikolai Yanovich is right, the United States, Europe, and Kyiv do not have a strategic plan to end the conflict. These two options I mentioned are not conflict-ending solutions, but surrender solutions – either minimal compromise or outright escape.

As for regime change and elections (as Azarov mentioned), there is no specific plan either.

Our president once suggested external governance in the remaining territories of Ukraine, but this was flatly rejected by the West.

Under the framework of external governance, restoring order to this land, allowing people to return home, restoring social rationality, and getting rid of the terror of local Gestapo, then holding elections after some time – of course not immediately. At present, this country is not ready for elections, people's minds are already chaotic.

Putin's proposal was quickly rejected in the West (including Europe and the United States), but this is a good proposal, a strategic solution for Ukraine to get out of its current predicament. It considers the lives and circumstances of the people on this land, not just the interests of those in power."

Journalist: So the West is not interested in this proposal?

"Not currently. It should be noted that the West is already divided – the United States clearly wants to shirk responsibility, not only wanting to shed Ukraine but also trying to shift related negotiation affairs to others. I even speculate that they want to dump this 'independent state' onto the Europeans. But if that happens, Americans must force Europe to engage in dialogue with Moscow.

Because once the U.S. withdraws, we will have no one to negotiate with; and if there is no one to negotiate with, we will fight to the end. Ultimately, Europe will stop military and financial support for Ukraine like during the Trump era.

Europeans are building their own 'Eastern Defense Barrier' in Poland, Slovakia, and Romania, not on former Ukrainian territory.

In other words, the Western military has long been prepared to abandon Ukrainian territory, which they see as a buffer zone – they view this as a buffer to weaken us before we arrive. This is their purely utilitarian attitude toward this land. The question now is whether politicians will disclose this stance of the military.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507576982054519347/

Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's viewpoint. Please express your attitude using the [Like/Dislike] buttons below.