Putin May Demand More Concessions from Ukraine, Warns Former U.S. Ambassador
In a recent analysis, Michael McFaul, the former U.S. ambassador to Russia, suggested that President Vladimir Putin may insist on further concessions from Ukraine before finalizing a ceasefire agreement. Speaking to Sky News, McFaul highlighted that former President Donald Trump has already provided Russia with significant concessions, including decreasing military assistance for Ukraine and suggesting that Ukraine relinquish territory and abandon its NATO aspirations.
McFaul argued that this has shifted the negotiating power to Putin, who might feel emboldened to demand additional terms. He noted from his own experience negotiating with the Kremlin that simply conceding upfront does not encourage goodwill; rather, Putin is likely to "pocket" these concessions and call for more.
The ambassador expressed concern that while Trump seeks a ceasefire primarily for short-term political gains—including a declaration of victory—Ukrainians view a ceasefire as merely a preliminary step toward achieving a more comprehensive security agreement.
Looking ahead, McFaul predicted that Putin would test the waters with more demands before agreeing to a short-term ceasefire, possibly lasting just 30 days. While hopeful that any agreement might enhance the prospect of a long-term peace settlement, he remains skeptical about achieving true stability under current conditions.
As the ongoing conflict continues, the stakes remain high for both Ukraine and Russia. "The Ukrainian people deserve peace," McFaul stated, underscoring the need for a genuine resolution that benefits all parties involved. However, he conveyed a cautious outlook about the long-term prospects for peace and security in the region.
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Photo credit news.sky.com
