Wants to unsettle Western societies.
(Photo: IMAGO/ITAR-TASS)
Vladimir Putin wants to use fake referendums in the occupied territories of Ukraine to expand his empire. Maps are already being sold in Russia on which the entire Ukraine is part of Russia.
But the Kremlin ruler is only frightening his previous partners with his ever new annexations, which he is likely to announce in a speech to both chambers of parliament on Friday. China, Iran and North Korea hardly want to have anything to do with Moscow. Former close allies like Kazakhstan are now quite openly opposed to the Kremlin.
The would-be great Putin is overstating his options. Without actually having good cards, he goes “all in”, the bluff in political poker. He wants to unsettle western societies.
Before the total collapse of his demoralized army, bled dry by corruption, he wants Ukraine and the West to give in out of fear. Largely because of its constant threats of using nuclear weapons, Ukraine should attack territories declared as Russian territory.
Top jobs of the day
Find the best jobs now and
be notified by email.
However, when Kiev’s troops targeted military installations in Crimea, which had been annexed by Russia, and even destroyed fighter jets, the Kremlin did only one thing: It withdrew important occupying troops from the occupied peninsula.
>> Read Be here: Why Russia can’t stop Ukraine’s advance right now
Nobody really needs to fear Putin’s bedraggled troops of looters and rapists, who lash out in the face of counterattacks – at least not in a military sense. Rather, the West must now respond with a dual strategy of strength and accommodation: strength through continued committed support for Ukraine and accommodation to those who desert.
This applies to Russian soldiers at the front and to those who flee before the draft orders come. Only Western determination will force Putin to make concessions that could form the basis for negotiations. Giving in, perhaps by acknowledging the even more obviously falsified referendums, would only encourage him to continue.
Putin’s strategy is clear. He wants to annex the territories and then a truce to rally himself and strike again later. With a determined support of Ukraine – also with the delivery of Leopard 2 main battle tanks and missiles – the aim is to prevent this.
Putin is and will remain a threat to Europe’s stability and security – until he is defeated.
More: Putin’s possible plan behind the annexations in eastern Ukraine – and the danger to him