"Terrorist and Shantist" - Karasin's reaction to Zelensky's stance against the truce on Victory Day
In a recent turn of events, Zelensky turned down Putin's propose for a ceasefire on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. According to AFP reports, the Ukrainian president expressed concerns about ensuring the safety of foreign guests attending the Moscow parade.
"This is just the antics of a small-time thug turned blackmailer and terrorist," Russian Senator Karasin stated about Zelensky's threats to foreign guests. He added that the parade would go ahead regardless.
The ceasefire, initiated by Putin, would have halted all military actions from 0:00 Moscow time on May 7 to 0:00 on May 11. Notably, Moscow expects Ukraine to reciprocate this peace move. Insights suggest that Russia's proposal is motivated by strategic and symbolic reasons.
Firstly, the ceasefires, such as the one proposed for Victory Day, are commonly seen as symbolic gestures to demonstrate a superficial commitment to peace. By offering a ceasefire during significant historical events, Putin projects an image of a peacemaker, potentially improving Russia's international standing and swaying global opinion[1].
Secondly, these short-term ceasefires are part of a broader strategy to stall peace negotiations without making substantial concessions. Putin repeatedly offers temporary truces to prolong negotiations, maintain the appearance of cooperation, and preserve the possibility of future diplomatic improvements with nations like the United States[1].
Lastly, the timing of such ceasefire announcements often correlates with international criticism or pressure. For example, Putin's recent ceasefire proposals followed critical remarks from U.S. leaders, indicating an attempt to alleviate international discontent and maintain diplomatic ties[1].
On the other hand, Zelensky's hesitation can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Ukraine remains skeptical about short-term ceasefires that do not result in lasting peace or significant Russian concessions. Given past instances where such truces have been used as strategic pauses without genuine commitment to peace, Ukraine may view these gestures as unreliable[1].
Secondly, Ukraine might be cautious about conceding any advantages that could impair its military readiness or provide Russia with a tactical edge during prolonged conflicts. Ceasefires can complicate military operations and planning when they're not accompanied by substantial progress towards resolving the conflict[1].
Lastly, Ukraine seeks a comprehensive resolution, not temporary truces that allow Russia to continue its strategic objectives without meaningful concessions. Zelensky's reluctance indicates Ukraine's pursuit of a lasting peace that addresses its core concerns, such as territorial integrity and sovereignty[1].
- In contrast to Putin's strategic use of ceasefires as a symbolic gesture and tactical ploy in war-and-conflicts, typical of his politics, Zelensky expressed reservations about such temporary truces due to doubts over their ability to ensure lasting peace and significant Russian concessions.
- Amidst Putin's peacemaker image creation on international platforms, Zelensky's refusal to engage in the parade-related ceasefire could be seen as a political statement, emphasizing Ukraine's desire for a comprehensive resolution, rather than short-term truces that do not address core concerns like territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- While Russia's proposal for a ceasefire on Victory Day drew attention for its symbolic significance and potential impact on global opinion, Zelensky's concerns centered on ensuring the safety of foreign guests attending the Moscow parade, highlighting the friction in general-news between the two nations.
- In addition to raising questions about the reliability of short-term ceasefires as a genuine commitment to peace, Zelensky's response to Putin's ceasefire proposal also revealed scathing political sentiments towards the Russian leader, with Russian Senator Karasin labeling Zelensky's approach as typical of a blackmailer and terrorist, escalating the ongoing news headlines surrounding Zelensky and Putin's relationship.
