themoscowtimes.com
Russia Uses Ukraine Talks to Buy Time, Consolidate Territorial Gains
High-level U.S. and Russian delegations meet in Saudi Arabia for the second round of bilateral talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine; Russia seeks to use the talks to buy time, consolidate control over occupied Ukrainian regions and get an upper hand over Kyiv in relations with the U.S.
- How does Russia's strategy in these talks connect to its broader geopolitical goals, and what role does the U.S. play in Russia's calculations?
- Russia seeks to leverage the negotiations to either secure tacit U.S. approval for its battlefield advances or pressure Ukraine to cede occupied territories. This approach is predicated on Russia's assessment that the exact border demarcation is less critical to the U.S. than the existence of a pro-Western Ukraine. Russia accuses Ukraine of ceasefire violations to frame Kyiv as the obstacle to peace.
- What is Russia's primary objective in the ongoing U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, and what immediate implications does this hold for Ukraine?
- Russia's renewed talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia aim to buy time, allowing continued territorial gains in Ukraine. This strategy hinges on prolonging negotiations while consolidating control over occupied regions, including Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, which Russia claims as its territory despite incomplete control. High-level negotiators, including those with extensive Ukraine experience, are leading the talks.
- What are the potential future implications of Russia's current military capabilities and strategic objectives for the conflict's trajectory and outcome?
- Russia's military capacity limits its potential gains to areas like Sloviansk-Dnipropetrovsk, making swift advances unlikely without external factors. The Kremlin's strategy relies on attrition and wearing down Ukrainian defenses. The inclusion of Sergei Beseda, previously under house arrest, suggests a shift in Russian strategy after the initial invasion setbacks.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily favors the Russian perspective. The headline and introduction set the stage by emphasizing Russia's strategy of buying time. The article repeatedly highlights the Kremlin's goals and calculations, presenting them as the driving force in the negotiations. The inclusion of detailed accounts from Kremlin sources, while providing insight, reinforces this biased framing.
Language Bias
The article uses language that sometimes leans toward the Russian narrative. Phrases such as "maximalist demands," "deranged terrorist scum," and referring to the annexation of Ukrainian territories as "enshrining their status in the Constitution" show a lack of neutrality. While the quotes are attributed to specific sources, the presentation can subtly influence the reader's perception. Neutral alternatives could include more descriptive terms and avoiding loaded adjectives.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the Russian perspective, giving significant weight to anonymous Kremlin sources. Ukrainian perspectives and potential counterarguments are largely absent, creating an imbalance in the narrative. The article mentions Ukrainian and Russian forces launching strikes but doesn't elaborate on the context or details of these actions, potentially misleading the reader about their significance in the overall conflict. The omission of independent expert analysis beyond one Israeli military expert contributes to a skewed representation of the situation.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that the only options are either Russia continuing to advance militarily or engaging in lengthy negotiations that may favor Russia. It overlooks other potential scenarios, such as increased Western support for Ukraine, internal shifts in Russian power dynamics, or unforeseen developments on the battlefield.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details Russia's strategic approach to prolonging the war in Ukraine, prioritizing territorial gains and leveraging negotiations to solidify control over occupied regions. This undermines international peace and security, violates Ukraine's sovereignty, and disregards established norms of conflict resolution. The actions described directly contradict the principles of peaceful conflict resolution and adherence to international law, essential for achieving SDG 16.