The former ambassador to the US analyzes the risk of a repeat of "Minsk", the castling in Kiev and the lone action of Viktor Orban.
In the program "Offensive with Lyubo Ognyanov" on NOVA NEWS, the former ambassador to the US and vice president of the Atlantic Club Elena Poptodorova commented on the topic of the war in Ukraine and the castling in Kiev. According to her, the massive attacks against Ukraine, taking place in parallel with the negotiations, show that the cessation of hostilities is still far away, and the tension at the top in Kiev requires careful reading.
War during diplomacy
Elena Poptodorova emphasizes the paradox that while there is talk of peace, aggression is escalating. She pointed out that on the very day that a Ukrainian delegation with a new leader was traveling to the United States, a massive attack was carried out against Ukraine.
“We saw Ukraine dawn tonight - about 600 drones and 36 missiles were launched. 600,000 people were left without electricity. And all this is happening at a time when talks are supposedly being held that would lead to a cessation of hostilities“, commented Poptodorova, emphasizing that this is the most important, but still unachieved task.
The traps of “Minsk“ and the lack of guarantees
Regarding the peace plan, the former ambassador warned that the main risk is a repeat of the Minsk agreements scenario. She pointed out that Ukraine had to hand over sovereignty at that time, while there were no commitments and guarantees to Russia.
“There is a risk that this text will repeat exactly this absence of guarantees. The demands are mainly to Ukraine, and there are none to Russia“, Poptodorova said. According to her, a possible ceasefire on the front line should not be perceived as a final peace agreement until Russia is “actually stopped“ from continuing the offensive.
Operation “Midas“ and the effect of Yermak's resignation
As for Andriy Yermak's resignation after the anti-corruption commission's action related to investigations into corruption and the supply of bulletproof vests, Poptodorova pointed out that Yermak acted as a “shadow prime minister“ and was not popular at home.
“His removal should bring some reassurance domestically,“ she said, but added that it created a vacuum in external negotiations, as he was the leading figure. Poptodorova predicted that these events could pave the way for a political future for General Valery Zaluzhny, who enjoys high authority.