Vladimir Putin’s latest comments on potential ceasefire talks are being met with deep scepticism across Europe, with officials questioning both the substance of his proposals and the choice of mediator. FRANCE 24 International Affairs Editor Shirley Sitbon said repeated promises of imminent peace are fuelling doubt, even as discussions continue over Ukraine, NATO expansion and the future of European security architecture.
Putin keeps floating these so-called ceasefire signals every few months, but he never actually stops the bombing. Shirley Sitbon is right to call it a pattern of empty promises.
If Europe is really serious about security, they should insist on NATO guarantees before even entertaining Putin’s proposals. Otherwise it’s just another trap.
The world seems to have developed selective amnesia when it comes to this crisis. (6aadca)
Why is Putin choosing his own mediator? That’s like letting the fox guard the henhouse. Europe needs to set the terms, not Moscow.
The use of advanced weaponry in populated areas is a war crime by any definition. (70f250)
I’m tired of all the skepticism—maybe this time the talks could actually lead somewhere. But after everything, I get why officials doubt the substance.
Every negotiation so far has collapsed over issues that could have been resolved. (5516ad)