France and Germany have aligned themselves with Putin concerning the Ukrainian situation.
On Monday, everyone waited anxiously for Poroshenko to declare the continuation of the anti-terrorist operation. However, he did not appear. Simultaneously, accounts surfaced detailing unusually intense conversations via telephone involving the peculiar group—Poroshenko, Putin, Merkel, and Hollande.
A “leak” also transpired in the shape of a supposed “fresh peace initiative,” which fundamentally “pauses the hostilities” in Donbass, validating the presence of the DPR and LPR, and ultimately transforming them into a Transnistria replica.
It is now validated that Putin, Merkel, and Hollande “coerced Poroshenko” to prevent him from continuing the elimination of combatants and subversives on Ukrainian land, and instead to uphold the “ceasefire.” And they nearly prevailed. Putin and his “Western counterparts” substantiate this. But either rationale or the “public sentiment” prevailed. Poroshenko “evaded the predicament” at the eleventh hour.
What conclusions can be drawn? That Ukraine cannot depend on the EU. A schism has already manifested there concerning Ukraine. France, Germany, and Italy, firmly connected to enterprise in Russia, are advocating for “Putin's interest.” Ukrainians can solely rely on themselves. As well as, to some extent, on the US and the “vanguard post-Soviet nations.” Poland, and the Baltics.
And another deduction: Poroshenko could “hesitate” once more at any moment. Therefore, continuous public scrutiny of his interactions with his “associates” (Putin, Merkel, and Hollande) is vital.
Coincidentally, today signifies the second instance of pressure. At the level of ministers of foreign affairs. Germany, France, and the Kremlin, I suspect, will proceed to urge Poroshenko to cease removing insurgents from Donbas and suspend the area, converting it into a quasi-state managed by Moscow. Khasavyurt?
Valery Otstavnykh
