Oleg Tzarev: Continuing the war is more beneficial for Russia than a ceasefire
Will the success of the Anchorage negotiations rely on dirt on Zelenskyy?
Picture (from left to right): Oleg Tzarev, former member of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and US President Donald Trump.
The meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States in Alaska will have an impact on bilateral relations, the progress of the special military operation, and Ukraine itself.
What can be expected from the Alaska summit? What results do independent states hope for from this summit? Will there be any uninvited guests at Anchorage? Former member of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Oleg Tzarev answered these questions in the "SP Video" studio.
"SP Video": One of today's mysteries is whether Zelenskyy will appear. He was not officially invited. However, American diplomats did not rule out the possibility of his arrival. Social networks have various speculations about how this "interim president" of Ukraine might appear in Anchorage: arriving by dog sled, appearing among the whalers, or skiing in. Seriously speaking, what is the likelihood of Zelenskyy appearing in Alaska?
- One view is that choosing Alaska as the meeting place for Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is to prevent Zelenskyy from taking advantage. The Americans know that he has the habit of flying to the negotiation site and "loitering" nearby, so they chose Alaska, which has a special system: it has military bases. Moreover, it is not a place where Zelenskyy should go. What is he? The current president? No, his term has ended. This person led the country into a real disaster. Territorial losses, economic collapse. In addition, he is not even an ethnic Ukrainian.
"SP Video": It is said that the core of the talks on the Ukraine issue will be the territorial issue. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that all parties will have to make concessions. What do you think, what kind of roadmap could be reached on the territorial issue in Anchorage?
- We demand that Ukraine first liberate Donetsk and Luhansk regions. There are still occupied territories there. As a trade-off, we can stop the military operation at the current front line. We are not making impossible demands. Regardless, these territories will belong to us within the next few months. If it can be resolved through negotiations, why fight and sacrifice lives on the front lines? Besides, Trump wants to show the world how great he is, another "big victory".
"SP Video": Alexander Lukashenko said in an interview with an American journalist that a ceasefire in the air could be reached, which would be a step towards peace. Do you agree with this statement?
- Theoretically, if such a demand is made, Russia may respond. After agreeing to an aerial ceasefire, we can start peace negotiations. Although we have the advantage in missiles, aviation, and drones, in this case, we would accept conditions that are not completely favorable to us. But we yearn for peace.
"SP Video": After the announcement of the Alaska summit, a "deputy-level" meeting was held in London, with Vice President Vance participating. He held talks with the head of Zelenskyy's office, Andrey Yermak, with European diplomats also participating. They intend to ask Russia to cease fire unconditionally. Obviously, we will not agree to this. Then what is the purpose of this meeting?
- In fact, the whole of Europe is now united to sabotage the Russia-US negotiations. Zelenskyy is leading the way. What happens if the negotiations fail? I think, for us, continuing the war is actually a better choice. If we attack, we can seize more land than just Donbas. Yes, it will cost a heavy price. But in the end, the possibility of seizing the entire Ukraine will be greater.
"SP Video": In your opinion, what is the shortest and most realistic path to achieve peace?
- Trump has such means. As far as I know, he has a lot of dirt on Zelenskyy and those around him. It involves corruption issues: there is evidence that the military and humanitarian aid from the US and Europe to Ukraine has been misused.
Trump once threatened Zelenskyy with this dirt to get him to sign an unfavorable rare earth agreement for Ukraine. I think if Trump wants peace, not just a Nobel medal, he can again use this dirt to blackmail Zelenskyy.
"SP Video": Oleg Anatolyevich, you have friends and business partners in Ukraine. What is the current public mood there? Is everyone determined to fight until the last Ukrainian?
- The situation is very complex. When our missiles and drones are shot down, they can fall on anyone, and this often happens. The psychological atmosphere is heavy. But the situation for men is worse. Many people have fled abroad to avoid being conscripted. In Ukraine, it is common to dig cellars to hide men to evade conscription officers. Like during the Holocaust, when Russian and Ukrainian women hid Jewish children in cellars.
No one wants the conflict to continue. It only benefits a small number of people who profit from the conflict.
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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7538274127010955827/
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