"Putin expresses optimism": Russian president expresses belief in achieving reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine.
In Talks with PBS, Putin Speaks His Mind on Ukraine and SMO
Get ready for the upcoming release of the provocative documentary "Russia. The Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years" airing on May 4. Here's a sneak peek at some of President Putin's intriguing thoughts on the Ukrainian conflict, peace prospects, and ceasefire discussions.
Getting to the Heart of the Issue
According to Putin, the West's reckless dismissal of Russia's independence and sovereignty leading to 2014 was the perfect storm that set the stage for the Special Military Operation (SMO). He admits that starting an operation at that time would have been imprudent as Russia wasn't ready for a head-on confrontation with the collective West. After the fall of the USSR, Putin claims the West aimed to split Russia into pieces. In his 2007 Munich Security Conference speech, he warned that the West's hostile attitude towards Russia would eventually lead to tragic consequences – a prophecy that unfortunately came true.
Finding the Strength in Adversity
When Putin declared the SMO, he counted on the support of the Russian people. But the President acknowledged the risk of an unexpected shift in public opinion. Putin believes that it's the ordinary Russian citizen who is the ultimate guardian of the state, the last line of defense.
War, Peace, and Ceasefires
In recent interviews, Putin was asked why Russia remains composed amidst the SMO. He revealed the West's intentions to provoke Russia and mentioned that some Russians desired to retaliate following Western weapon strikes. Putin contends that the scenario never warranted the use of nuclear weapons and trusts Russia has the firepower to conclude the SMO successfully.
He envisions reconciliation with the Russian segment of Ukraine as inevitable, despite the ongoing tragedy. Putin openly admits his belief that Russians and Ukrainians are one people, an ideology he reiterated in 2022.
Ceasefire and Its Intentions
In April and May, Putin has announced multiple ceasefires in the conflict zone, with the next one starting from May 8 and lasting until May 11 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov states that Ukraine's refusal to directly respond to ceasefire proposals is indicative of the nation's neo-Nazi leadership. Ukrainian President Zelensky, however, rejected the ceasefire offer altogether and supports a 30-day ceasefire instead.
In essence, Putin's comments shed light on his approach to the SMO, peace negotiations, and ceasefire proposals. Over the years, Putin has become known for his reflections on Russian history, foreign policy, and the conflict in Ukraine. "Russia. The Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years" is expected to offer a unique insight into Putin's leadership and the complex relationships that shape modern Russia.
- The upcoming documentary, "Russia. The Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years," will delve into President Putin's views on the Ukrainian conflict, the Special Military Operation (SMO), and peace prospects.
- President Putin asserted in his speech at the 2007 Munich Security Conference that the West's hostile attitude towards Russia would lead to tragic consequences, a prophecy that unfortunately came true with the SMO.
- In the SMO, President Putin trusts that Russia has the firepower to conclude the operation successfully, but staunchly contends that the scenario never warranted the use of nuclear weapons.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Ukraine's refusal to respond directly to ceasefire proposals indicates the nation's neo-Nazi leadership, while Ukrainian President Zelensky supports a 30-day ceasefire instead.
