The Ukrainian president asks Vladimir Putin to return to the borders on 23 February. And he says he is willing to discuss the “control” of Moscow over the peninsula
from our correspondent
MYKOLAIV – It will not mark the turning point in the conflict but it is a glimmer. For the first time, President Volodymyr Zelensky admits the possibility of ceding part of its territory to the Russians in exchange for an end to hostilities. During a connection with some analysts of the British think tank Chatham House, Zelensky defined a ceasefire as possible if Moscow withdraws “on the positions of 23 February”, ie those prior to the invasion. Translated: a compromise that could include the recognition of Russian control of Crimea. Zelensky has avoided making requests on the Donbass areas in the hands of the pro-Russian since 2014. A radical change of position for Zelensky who, up to now, has always reaffirmed the territorial integrity of Ukraine. And a concession that may not please the hawks in his government and the more extremist section of public opinion.
Openings and accusations
If everything is silent from Moscow, the opening is confirmed by Zelensky himself after a few hours also in an interview with Bbc, during which the president does not specifically mention Crimea, but signals a willingness to recognize Russian control of the peninsula as part of a peace agreement. Sacrificing Kherson, the first city taken by the Russians and effectively held hostage, amidst torture and abuse, to save the peace? In his Chatham House speech Zelensky didn’t give too many details. But he has once again accused the Kremlin of war crimes, “committed with impunity because of his status as a nuclear power.” He makes even stronger accusations about the siege of Mariupol, in which the “Russians are torturing the city with hunger”. Then, thea promise of “a military tribunal for murder, death, torture”. Speaking instead before the Icelandic parliament, Zelensky recalled how “over half a million Ukrainians have been deported to Russia” since the start of the war. And “deprived of their documents and cell phones to be then sent to distant regions of that foreign land to be assimilated”. He words that certainly cannot fail to make us think of the war crimes committed throughout Ukraine, but which recall very clearly the suffering of the people of Kherson.
A signal in Berlin
And if he takes a small step towards Moscow, Zelensky also appears determined not to let go and to keep his European allies on his side. Even those considered more recalcitrant. Not by chance from Kiev comes the invitation to the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Ukraine on 9 May to “send a strong political signal”, when Russia will celebrate the victory against Nazi Germany at the end of the Second World War, with a parade that according to some analysts could be held in Kherson. It is an invitation that comes after Zelensky’s refusal in mid-April to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Ukraine because he is considered too close to Putin. Another opening which, for the moment, does not seem to have paid off. Until yesterday, the program remained unchanged at the Berlin Chancellery. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock will go “soon to Kiev”. For the chancellor, there is time.
May 6, 2022 (change May 6, 2022 | 23:08)
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