When Negotiations Go on the Housekeep
The Kremlin has rolled out a new playbook: no haggling over the five Ukrainian regions it “has taken.” With a no‑negotiation stance, the Kremlin is basically telling the US and the West that once it announces the boundaries, they’re set in stone.
The Annexed Territories
- Crimean Peninsula – the sparkling jewel of the south.
- Donetsk – the gritty, war‑torn core.
- Luhansk – the stubborn stronghold.
- Kherson – the economic lifeline.
- Zaporizhzhia – the power‑house district.
Peskov’s Take‑Down
During a phone briefing, Peskov said the Kremlin annexed these regions in September 2022 – even if the occupation isn’t absolute. The twist? He re‑thinks the annexation as “an inseparable part” of Russia, now even listed in the constitution.
“This is undeniable and non‑negotiable,” he told Meduza, sounding as if he’re announcing the birth of a child that can’t be broken up later.
Why It’s Shocking
For Putin, the goal isn’t just to own the land – it’s to CLAIM it forever. And for the West, the idea is clear: you can’t bargain with anyone who considers the deal as hard‑wired as a pipeline.
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When Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov blew the whistle on Feb. 26, he made it clear: Moscow is not going anywhere over which territory is “Russian” or “Ukrainian.” The message was loud and clear — “That line won’t hold.” He defended Russia’s claims with a pompous assertion that it matches the “will of the people,” i.e. Putin’s will, and insisted that a future in the annexed areas should focus on local culture and not foreign troops.
Lavrov’s Key Points
- No Negotiation Over Boundaries: Lavrov said it was pointless to discuss borders when “the line of contact” can’t stay in place.
- Cultural Priority: Russian officials claim that residents want to keep their traditions, “and that simply putting foreign troops there won’t solve the deeper problems.”
- No Western Troops: He warned that the UK or EU shouldn’t deploy soldiers in occupied territories – this, he said, would be unwise.
UK’s Potential Response
- Sharpening Support to Kyiv: Analysts say Britain is poised to ramp up aid to Kyiv, hoping to keep the fight alive and push back against any compromise that might favor Moscow.
- European Troops vs. Putin: The UK’s intentions to send troops could trigger Moscow to abandon all peace talks, according to experts who note that other EU members, especially France, have not yet committed.
- Starmer’s Stance: When asked if he would cede to Putin’s demands for peacekeepers, Starmer flat‑out refused. “I’m not answering to Putin,” he said, emphasising a long‑term, securable peace.
Starmer’s Real‑World Plan
“We want lasting peace, not just a ceasefire,” Starmer said. “Securing that means safeguarding Europe’s borders and ensuring Ukraine can thrive without fear.” He stresses that a stable solution requires guarantees that go beyond a temporary truce.
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