Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of the consequences of a potential war between his country and Europe.
Putin stated that if a military conflict were to break out between Russia and Europe, there would be no winner in such a war.
Speaking to Globalinfo.az, Khayal Bashirov, head of the Center for Political and Legal Studies and a lawyer, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s stance is being widely discussed in the press:
“At the same time, it is noteworthy that the heads of state of Norway and Finland held phone conversations with Putin, and it was stated that if other European leaders also call, the Russian president will answer their calls. This situation can be assessed as the beginning of a new stage in the course of the Russia-Ukraine war.
It appears that the European side is also attempting to influence the process and take steps toward stopping the war and reaching an agreement with Russia. Concurrently, it is observed that the United States is exerting certain pressures on Europe to bring the war to an end. This stance by Washington can also be evaluated as requiring European countries to demonstrate a more active posture to conclude the process.
Naturally, this situation does not fully satisfy European states. Europe does not want to be sidelined from the process and diplomatically isolated. On the other hand, Russia considers its security interests an essential priority. Europe, meanwhile, is trying to safeguard its position regarding the conditions under which Ukraine will exit the war.”
Khayal Bashirov
The expert noted that Russia demonstrating its openness to contacts with European leaders is also a message addressed to the European public:
“This may also be aimed at prompting citizens in European countries to pressure their own governments toward ending the war. Thus, Putin‘s statement can be viewed not only as a military warning, but also as an instrument of political and diplomatic pressure.
Statements that there will be no winner in the war are not being voiced for the first time. In this regard, I believe current remarks may also be related to attempts by the parties to strengthen their positions and exert pressure on one another ahead of the upcoming China meeting.
Europe is striving not to be excluded from the negotiation process. If Europe does not participate in the meeting, this could entail serious consequences for its diplomatic position and its ability to influence the process.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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