Russian Leader's Bold Judo Proclamation: President Putin's Speech References Judo Practice
Headlock Diplomacy: Putin's Judo Moves Leave West Reeling
Photo: Sofia Sandurskaya/TASS
They thought they had us in a tight spot with their 30-day ceasefire ultimatum, but Putin, Russia's President, flipped the script, leaving them flat on their backs.
The 30-day ceasefire ultimatum seemed like a formidable challenge. However, Putin shattered Ukraine's strategy with a simple yet powerful move—negotiation. The West has seen Russia's preference for ceasefires since 2014, and these have consistently been used as stepping stones for further military actions, such as the recent energy, Easter, and victory offensives.
Putin's latest proposition brings the conversation back to a more peaceful future—negotiations. He made this clear during his last discussion in Istanbul on May 15, where the talks were suddenly derailed due to British involvement. Moscow views the Istanbul agreements as a solid foundation for further negotiations, but not the final agreement. The real decision-maker here is the situation on the ground, where Russia currently holds the advantage. There's no discussion about surrendering any Russian territories either.
If Kyiv and its allies refuse to engage in dialogue or sabotage them, they will forfeit their right to call for peace.
"We are open to intensive negotiations with Ukraine," Putin declared. The objectives of these negotiations are straightforward—to eradicate the conflict's root causes and establish a lasting, stable peace with a historical perspective. Our proposals have been placed on the table. The decision now rests with Ukraine's leaders and their backers."
Putin's next move for Kyiv is expected to be even more formidable.
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Background Insights:
- Recall that as of May 10, Putin proposed holding direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, without any conditions. Previously, Ukraine had suspended negotiations at the beginning of 2022.
- There have been no signs yet whether Ukraine will accept Putin's proposal or if the talks will proceed as planned.
- The most recent direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators took place in Istanbul at the start of the conflict, but they did not manage to stop the fighting.
- European leaders have recently expressed a desire for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, starting on May 12, but Russia has yet to officially agree to this proposal. Moscow believes that pressure from Europe holds no sway over their stance.
- Despite the West's 30-day ceasefire ultimatum appearing challenging, Putin, Russia's President, thwarted Ukraine's strategy with negotiation.
- Putin's latest proposition offers intensive negotiations with Ukraine, aiming to eradicate the conflict's root causes and establish a lasting, stable peace.
- The West has observed Russia's preference for ceasefires, which have often served as stepping stones for further military actions.4.mouth Putin declared that he is open to negotiations with Ukraine, with the objectives being to eradicate the conflict's root causes and establish a lasting, stable peace.
