Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Photo: David Silpa/UPI
Peace in Vladimir Putin’s understanding means only one thing – the conquest of Ukraine. This was stated in an interview with HotNews by historian and expert on Russian foreign policy Sergei Radchenko, a professor at Johns Hopkins University. He criticises the US negotiating team as incompetent and explains why Donald Trump and Putin have parallel but incompatible visions of ending the war.
Putin does not want peace – he wants victory
According to the professor, the concept of “peace” for Putin is not about compromise, but about complete domination over Ukraine:
“Peace for Putin is peace on his terms. It is not a compromise, it is a surrender. His peace is control over Ukraine, preservation of the occupied territories, stopping its integration into NATO and the EU, and imposing linguistic and cultural norms.”
The Kremlin has repeatedly voiced such “peaceful” conditions: in particular, it demands recognition of the annexation of Crimea and ORDLO, demilitarisation and legislative protection of the Russian language and media in Ukraine.
American diplomacy in chaos
Professor Radchenko was also critical of the US foreign policy team, especially under the Trump administration, which he described as “chaotic” and unprofessional:
“Their perceptions of Russia, China or North Korea are often based on stereotypes rather than in-depth analysis. They are more interested in economic gain than in a stable global security architecture.”
According to the historian, the new talks, which the US may return to if Trump returns to power, may again ignore Putin’s real goals, trying to buy a temporary truce at the expense of Ukrainian sovereignty.
Why Yalta 2.0 is an illusion
Some politicians in Europe are talking about a possible new Yalta, i.e. a global redistribution of influence with the participation of major powers. But, as Radchenko points out, times have changed:
“Europe is no longer a passive participant, but an active force. It has tools of pressure, economic weight and military potential. No one can sign a new Yalta without the consent of Eastern European countries – and without Ukraine.”
Cold War 2.0 has already begun
According to Radchenko, the current situation is closer to the Cold War than to the Yalta agreements. He warns that the nuclear factor has again become an element of blackmail, and Russia is actively using it:
“We are back to an arms race, nuclear threats and spheres of influence. This is not diplomacy, this is strategic intimidation.”
What can stop Putin?
Radchenko is convinced that the only real response to Russia’s aggression should be a tough stance by the West:
- Strengthening Ukraine’s armaments;
- Deployment of European troops in border areas;
- A decisive economic blockade of Russia.
“Only strength can force Putin to the negotiating table. Otherwise, he will interpret any weakness as an invitation to a new attack,” the historian concludes.
