Turkish Peace Talks

As we enter the third week of the conflict, can there be a peaceful resolution?

When Emmanuel Macron met with Putin (7 February 2022) and allegedly refused to take a PCR test for fear that the Russian would get hold of his DNA, some thought him a bit paranoid. The men met instead with a long 20-foot long table between them. Macron wasn’t paranoid, but it seems he was quite sensible as they attempted to discuss the Ukrainian conflict in a bid to prevent war. Sadly, Macron failed, and it is apparent that the West were aware of the Russian threat and had been trying to negotiate deals before the invasion.

With this in mind, how do they think they can broker any deals when Putin has occupied cities and towns already? In the latest round of talks, Macron doesn’t believe a ceasefire will be imminent, given that Putin’s demands are unreasonable, and unworkable. Unless Putin is willing to actually negotiate rather than to state his terms and expect to get them, then the conflict will continue.

The main news is that refugees have their evacuation corridors open, and that Ukrainians can apply for a UK refugee visa online. While there is a refugee crisis, it is about saving lives and defending the country and it is hard to balance. With so many people fleeing for safety, that leaves cities and towns empty which is what the Russians want as it is easier for them to occupy. It is only right and humane that other countries offer refuge for those who have lost everything, but does this stop Russia from attacking? That is what needs to happen so people don’t have to become refugees.

Day 15 (10 March)

• The UK imposes sanctions against Roman Abramovich which means he cannot sell Chelsea FC. The club has a special licence which means it can still operate and staff and players can be paid, but Abramovich cannot profit or sell the club as all his assets are frozen. He is thought to be pro-Kremlin and have ties with Putin.

• Russia has told Italy it must return works of art that have been on loan. This seems to be a case of Russia demanding what is theirs back to prove a point.

• Uniqlo, had previously made a statement that they would continue to trade in Russia, have now changed their mind and are suspending their operations in the country. They state that the conflict is getting worse which creates difficulties in trading.

• Ukraine and Russian Foreign Ministers had peace talks in Turkey (Dmytro Kuleba for Ukraine, and Sergey Lavrov for Russia). There appeared to have been no progess made. Humanitarian corridors were requested, and Russia repeated the same spiel, that Ukraine must be demilitarized (give up arms and their army) and cannot join the EU or NATO. Only if the Ukrainians agree to what is basically surrendering and opening a door to be annexed, then a deal can be reached.

  

• Russia claims that the news surrounding the bombing of the hosptial in Marioupol is western propaganda, and that the images are fake.

• Russia has left the Council of Europe, claiming that the EU and NATO are undermining the laws that govern human rights and democracy. They had joined in 1996, and their rights to be represented were suspended on 25 February when the conflict began. https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/council-of-europe-suspends-russia-s-rights-of-representation

• The issue of the US and Polish fighter jets continues where the Pentagon Press Secretary (John Kirby) claimed it was too risky, and that it would lead to an escalation of war. He also stated that the proposal was not good for NATO or the national security of the US. I think the last factor is the key element here, as the US contributes the most on NATO, they get more of a say on how NATO should work, and what it should or should not do. Money talks—again.

• Sir Andrew Cahn and Sir Ken Olisa (Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London), were both board members of Huawei UK, who resigned as the Chinese company have chosen not to comment on whether they will trade in Russia, while reports claim that the company has been assisting Russia with telecommunications.

• Russia retaliates against the western sanctions by banning exports, not that many people would want to buy anything Russian right now. Moscow is looking at passing legislation to nationalize the assets of foreign companies that have chosen to suspend their operations in Russia. That could mean the government could seize the property and all assets of the companies that have chosen to impose sanctions against them.

• There are fears of a chemical attack. That has always been on the cards as a possibility.

• The EU appears to be considering allowing Ukraine to have candiate status. A failure to do so would boost Russian morale and will send a message that the EU doesn’t wish to support Ukraine.

• The BBC continue their coverage of the invasion, following the Ukrainian army and witnessing the destruction of cities and towns that will take decades to rebuild. Right now, they can only think of survival.

• Twitter removes a tweet from the Russian Embassy in the UK which was promoting fake news and propaganda.