Yesterday, when the Ukrainian regime launched a series of US-provided, long-range ATACMS missiles at Russian forces in Crimea, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg urged for a significant escalation of the conflict, proposing that Ukraine deploy NATO missiles to attack Russia.
NATO’s response, triggered by the rapid weakening of the Ukrainian military, is shedding light on its deceit regarding the conflict. While Stoltenberg addressed The Economist, Reuters released a series of interviews with key allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging NATO nations to seek a ceasefire and cautioning against the risks of a nuclear war. It is not Moscow, but rather the NATO nations spearheaded by Washington, that are fueling the conflict, posing a serious threat of a large-scale war erupting in Europe and beyond.
Echoing remarks by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Stoltenberg called for Ukraine to use long-range NATO missiles to bomb Russia. “The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine,” he said. He added, “to deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves.”
“We will not be party to the conflict,” Stoltenberg promised. However, he promptly argued that NATO should give Ukraine a blank check to use its weapons for whatever strikes it pleases against targets in Russia, stating: “Ukraine has the right to defend themselves. And that includes striking targets on Russian territory.”
On the Russian side, anonymous sources cited by Reuters convey President Putin’s readiness for a ceasefire that would solidify the present frontline positions. While the Kremlin’s official stance, as expressed by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, emphasizes an openness to dialogue and a disinterest in “eternal war,” Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko, alongside military analyst Pavel Luzin, dismisses such a ceasefire as a tactical pause for Russia rather than a step towards peace. “Putin sees that Ukraine is starting to receive serious military aid from the U.S. and Russia will sustain more losses,” Merezhko added. “It seems like Putin is afraid that a protracted war will cause more dissatisfaction with his policy among the Russian elite and in the army.”
Ukraine, for its part, remains resolute in its objectives, which include full territorial integrity, reparations, war crimes trials for Russian leaders, and secure pathways to NATO and EU accession. President Zelensky’s administration continues to champion its ten-point peace formula, and a global summit in Switzerland is set to focus on these terms.
Amidst this complex tapestry of military posturing and diplomatic maneuvering, the risk of a major escalation looms large, with NATO’s top officials acknowledging the grim possibility of a larger war. Despite this, the European populace appears hesitant, with significant opposition to direct involvement in the conflict – a sentiment that, if overlooked, may have serious consequences.
The words of Stoltenberg, Blinken, and other Western leaders reflect a staunch position against capitulating to Russia’s ambitions, but this very firmness may also block avenues for de-escalation.
Relevant articles:
– As NATO moves to allow Ukraine bomb Russia with its weapons, Kremlin floats possible Ukraine cease-fire , WSWS, 05/25/2024
– Ukraine Ceasefire Talk Is Putin’s Bid for ‘Respite’: Kyiv Deputy, Newsweek, 05/24/2024
– Ukraine Russia war news live: Putin says Zelensky has no legitimacy after expiry of presidential term, The Independent, 05/25/2024
– Putin looking for ceasefire to cement gains in Ukraine, Reuters reports citing sources, Kyiv Independent, 05/24/2024
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