August M
When global superpowers hold private talks behind closed doors, the rest of the world is left guessing.
History shows that even bitter rivals maintain back-channel communications to navigate global crises. Now, a surprising admission from a major world leader has pulled back the curtain on one such conversation, reports 20minutos.
Behind closed doors
Putin dropped a bombshell outside St. Petersburg. During a meeting with news agencies, he revealed that Moscow engaged in direct discussions with Washington regarding a highly sensitive geopolitical issue.
The secret talks focused directly on a potential military intervention in the Caribbean, centering around a Venezuelan-style operation in Cuba, according to 20minutos.
When reporters pushed for details on Thursday, the Russian leader kept his response incredibly brief. “Were there contacts with the US administration about Cuba? Yes, there were,” Putin replied, without giving further details.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent a note to former Cuban President Raúl Castro for his 95th birthday. He promised Moscow’s complete backing.
Lines in the sand
Lavrov used the letter to blast American economic measures targeting Havana. “In the context of the unprecedented external pressure facing the Cuban people, we once again express our firm solidarity and support,” Lavrov stated.
He highly praised Castro. The foreign minister called him an example of “selfless service to the homeland, to his people and to the ideals of the Cuban Revolution,” adding that he remains a “symbol of stoicism, courage, patriotism and unwavering will.”
The conversation quickly shifted back to Europe. Putin discussed the gridlocked conflict in Ukraine, insisting that taking full control of the Donbas region would not stop a potential peace deal.
Negotiations have completely stalled due to the war in Iran, according to 20minutos. Still, Putin claimed battlefield victory and diplomacy can happen together.
Changing the map
The Russian leader remained firm on his goals. “One thing does not exclude the other. Controlling the entire region and concluding an ‘agreement’ are not mutually exclusive,” the Russian president affirmed.
Territorial gains keep growing daily. Moscow now claims Luhansk is completely under Russian control, while Donetsk stands at 85 percent. “The Russian army has brought approximately 2,440,000 square kilometers under its control,” he emphasized.
Everything depends on Ukraine. Even so, Putin clarified that any future talks must use a cagreement signed by Russia and the US in Anchorage as the starting point.
Sources: 20minutos
