Foreign Affairs published today the results of a most fruitful collaboration between @scharap and yours truly, an article on the failed peace talks between Russia and Ukraine (March-April 2022). foreignaffairs.com/ukraine/talks-….
There's nothing 'complicated' about this lost paradise of the 'Istanbul deal that could have ended the war' - the Kremlin was never even closely serious about those 'contacts' with Ukraine, and it was forwarding knowingly unacceptable and absurd demands while regrouping for a new offensive in Donbas following the March setback at Kyiv. The problem is that certain high-browed armchair strategists somehow persuaded themselves that Putin was a good-faith dove of peace offering a perfect deal he'd respect forevermore, while those dumb, mean Ukrainians rejected his noble gesture because Boris Johnson made them do so.
@IAPonomarenko @DrRadchenko @scharap I dont get how people genuinely think Boris Johnson managed to persuade a country to continue to fight for its existence. IMO I think the kremlin might of been "semi" serious about talks then, but only to prepare a further attack. In a few years.
@IAPonomarenko @DrRadchenko @scharap Exactly. As I often say russian method is <I invite you to dinner while I know in advance you can't accept. And the I whistle around that you don't accept my invitations>. In other words... a self-fulfilling prophecy.
@IAPonomarenko @DrRadchenko @scharap But that's close to what the article is saying. Ukraine did not believe Russia's assurances and wanted to recreate some form of DIY NATO Article 5. The Western partners said no to being "guarantors" of the deal. So.