Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 21/Mar 17:04

Mockery Of The Ukraine Ceasefire – OpEd

“When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning, or in rain? When the hurly-burly’s done, When the battle’s lost and won." -- Macbeth.  The three witches (in lighter vein PTZ) were to meet after the result of the battle was declared. A lot has happened since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 over three years back. Here the three world leaders, Presidents Putin-Trump-Zelensky are at last trying to meet to end this Ukraine War. Ukraine has turned into Ruins in this uncalled for and an avoidable war. “There will be No Victor or the Vanquished in this war”. Both Russia and Ukraine will be the ultimate losers and the only profit makers are the Arms Contractors. The so-called Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire seems insincere from both sides much like the witches' cryptic prophecies in Shakespeare’s play. The ceasefire is a mere ‘Mockery’ of the military term ‘Ceasefire’ by both Russia and Ukraine and the conflict continues as both the parties involved are engaging in a kind of theatrical diplomacy of claims and counter claims. Profit Makers: Military-Industrial Complex The Truth, the American former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is promoting pursuing ‘War for Profit’ while speaking in a joint Press Conference with Britain Foreign Secretary: “If you look at the investments that we made in Ukraine’s defense to deal with this aggression, 90 percent of the security assistance we provided has actually been spent here in the US with our Military-Industrial Complex (MIC) manufacturers for production, and that’s produced more American jobs, more growth in our own economy”. The Ukrainian Media has also claimed only a third of aid reaches Ukraine. Blinken calls “US war aid to Ukraine a ‘Win-Win’ that we need to continue.” Victoria Nuland, former US Under Secretary of State had also made similar statements. MIC giant defense contractors were introduced to powerful figures in Congress and the military on January 17, 1961, by President Eisenhower in his farewell address to Congress and the American people. Former NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg “Ukraine’s rightful place is in NATO, and over time, our support will help you make this possible.” “Weapons Are – In Fact – The Way to Peace.” “NATO is ready to support Ukraine for years in the war against Russia with modern Western military equipment and weapons." Five of the top US and European defense contractors have been making exuberant profits since the war started three years back 30-Day Ceasefire Mockery 30-day pause in attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure but did not commit to a full ceasefire! Putin demands a broader ceasefire and cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine. Russia during the war had focused on targeting Ukraine’s power grid: power stations, transmission lines, transformers and substations. ​Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to a 30-day suspension of attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure following a phone call with US President Donald Trump. This agreement specifically focuses on ceasing strikes against power stations, transmission lines, transformers, and substations. Partial ‘Ceasefire’ is No solution- It must be in the true spirit ‘Ceasefire’ meaning Cease fire. Firing or any offensive actions be stopped by both sides. However, Putin did not consent to a broader ceasefire, expressing concerns that such a truce could allow Ukraine to mobilize and rearm its forces. He emphasized that a comprehensive resolution would require the cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence support to Kyiv. ​ Despite the agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, hostilities have persisted. Russia launched drone attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities shortly after the partial ceasefire was established. In response, Ukraine conducted a drone strike on Russia's Engels airbase, which houses nuclear-capable bombers, resulting in significant damage and casualties. “Putin’s drone attacks make mockery of Trump peace deal for Ukraine”-Independent. Diplomatic efforts continue, with delegations from Ukraine and Russia scheduled for separate talks with US officials in Riyadh. However, confusion persists regarding the progress of these negotiations. The EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine by enhancing its defense capabilities by supplying air defense systems, missiles, drones, artillery shells, and training for Ukrainian troops. This stance directly opposes Putin's demands for the cessation of Western military aid to Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical tensions. While Zelensky's readiness to negotiate and cease strikes indicates a potential softening in Ukraine's stance, the ongoing challenges remain significant. A French diplomat remarked that while the trilateral discussions between the US, Ukraine, and Russia are critical, a direct dialogue between the Ukrainian and Russian administrations remains essential for any real progress. “This trilogue proves slow and allows Moscow, which is in a strong position on the ground, to buy time.” Clearly, the path towards peace is fraught with complexities, but with ongoing dialogues and potential agreements on the horizon, there may be a glimmer of hope with President Trump’s efforts for resolution in the Ukraine conflict. As the situation evolves, the world watches closely, hoping for prolonged peace amid ongoing unrest. “Having pushed Ukraine into war, the NATO-US (Biden) did not know how to save it. Having started it, Russia does not know where to end it.” NowPresident Trump is trying to end this Ukraine war through a proposed partial ‘Ceasefire’ to begin with. US President Trump has held what he described as a "Very Good" hour-long phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Zelensky a day after speaking to Russian President Putin. US ownership of Ukraine's nuclear power plants was also discussed, the White House said, although Zelensky later stated this was only about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant according to the BBC. The Ukrainian President put his support behind President Trump's push for a limited ceasefire with Russia. The extraordinary demands of the Russian leader to weaken Ukraine would make a Mockery of any Peace Deal, so bold are the demands, it is hard to believe that Putin is entirely serious. “It sounds like the Russians are projecting their desires,” said Matthew Savill, an analyst with the Royal United Services Institute thinktank, simply describing the Kremlin position as “Incompatible” with the European-led security plan.