It has been almost four weeks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the war has forced 10 million people to flee inside and outside the country. At the same time, negotiations have been held between the countries. So far, they have met at Foreign Minister level.
– Putin does not see the political leadership as legitimate at all, says Carolina Vendil Pallin.
According to Carolina Vendil Pallin at FOI, a crucial reason why it is currently difficult to reach an almost level, ie to get the two presidents Putin and Zelensky to meet for talks, is that Putin does not see the Ukrainian president as anything other than a tool. for the West and the United States.
Vladimir Putin’s demands on Ukraine to withdraw its troops are clear; recognize the breakaway regions, lay down your arms and stay out of alliances.
– For Russia, these people’s republics, Donetsk and Luhansk, have only been tools. The goal is to control the whole of Ukraine, both politically and militarily.