Kathrine Frich
“I think we are fast approaching the make or break moment for a ceasefire in Ukraine,” Prof Glees said.
“I think we are fast approaching the make or break moment for a ceasefire in Ukraine,” Prof Glees said.
Expert Warns Ukraine Peace Talks Are “Make or Break”
An international diplomacy expert says any attempt to negotiate peace in Ukraine now is fraught with risk.
He warns that Vladimir Putin would use a ceasefire simply to regroup for another invasion.
Trump–Putin Meeting on the Horizon
The Kremlin says a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump has been agreed “in principle” and could take place as early as next week.
Trump told reporters there is “a very good prospect” that Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet face to face.
Putin’s Goal: Total Victory
Professor Anthony Glees, security expert at the University of Buckingham, says Putin’s hold on power depends on conquering Ukraine.
“What Putin wants… is the total defeat and capitulation of Ukraine. He cannot change that line and remain in the Kremlin.”
“Trump Is a Man of Peace”
“I think we are fast approaching the make or break moment for a ceasefire in Ukraine,” Prof Glees said.
“Trump wants to open up a window for peace and I think we should applaud him… I’ve always said that I truly believe Trump is a man of peace and that he sincerely hates war. There’s a mighty big ‘however’, I’m afraid.”
Why a Ceasefire Might Fail
Even if a ceasefire leads to negotiations and a settlement, Glees warns:
“I do not believe that Putin will ever give up his ambition to take over all of Ukraine… a peace settlement would simply allow him to re-fresh and re-group and start all over again.”
Trump’s Achilles Heel
Glees argues that Trump’s desire for peace could backfire.
“Trump is to be praised for wanting peace but it is also his Achilles heel because neither Putin nor Zelensky, for their own very different reasons, can accept a peace that does not work for them.”
Ukraine’s Stronger Hand
Despite the risks, Glees notes that Ukraine’s improving ties with Trump’s White House have increased pressure on Moscow.
“Unless Putin makes some major concessions to Ukraine, brave Ukraine will fight on… Ukraine will never give up its sovereignty.”
Trump “Played” Before
Glees also warned about Putin’s tactics:
“Putin thinks he is substantially smarter than Trump. He’s seen Israel’s President Netanyahu play Trump, he’s played Trump himself… Even Trump knows that he’s been played because he’s told us so.”
A Long War Ahead?
With no breakthrough in sight, Glees is pessimistic:
“Trump has had no success. The war he was going to end in 24 hours is still going on, six months into his presidency… I fear the Ukraine war is likely to become the 100 years war of the 21st century. I pray that I am wrong.”
