The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has published a report analyzing the statements of Viktor Medvedchuk, the godfather of Russian President Vladimir Putin and former head of the OPZZh party, which is banned in Ukraine. The analysts concluded that Medvedchuk's rhetoric reflects the Kremlin's current policy, demonstrating Moscow's reluctance to negotiate with Ukraine and Western countries.
This was reported by URA-Inform, citing the ISW report.
In his article, Medvedchuk directly stated the need to annex Ukraine, calling its territories “historical lands of Russia”. He also published a map where all regions of Ukraine, with the exception of Lviv, Ternopil and Chernivtsi, are classified as “historical Russia”. ISW experts note that such statements by Medvedchuk are not his personal opinion, but correspond to the strategic line of the Kremlin. “Medvedchuk's rhetoric indicates the Kremlin's systemic refusal to recognize Ukrainian sovereignty and government,” the ISW report says.Medvedchuk also stated that Western support for Ukraine is allegedly aimed at “destroying Russia from within.” Moreover, he called Ukrainians “modern barbarians,” claiming that Russia has a mission to “save” them.
Such statements serve as a justification for military aggression, analysts believe. According to ISW, they are used to consolidate the Russian public around the idea of war and prepare for possible long-term actions against Ukraine.
According to the report, Russia's refusal to negotiate is based on a fundamental denial of Ukraine's independence. This shows that Moscow intends to continue the war until it achieves its goals. Analysts believe that such rhetoric undermines any chances for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the near future.
The Kremlin's position, reflected in Medvedchuk's statements, indicates an unwillingness to stop the war. Moreover, such statements strengthen Russia's aggressive policy, which could complicate any diplomatic efforts.
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