Russia may step up pressure to force Ukraine into negotiations – ISW
The Kremlin is in a hurry to impose its conditions before the expected counter-offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Russia is preparing to start a new stage of the information campaign in order to increase pressure on the West and force Ukraine to negotiate peace on the terms that are beneficial to Moscow.
Analysts of the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warn about this. In particular, the day before, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, during his visit to Ankara (Turkey), said that Russia does not refuse negotiations if they take into account Moscow’s “legitimate” interests.
He also hinted to the West that for a long time they treated Russia with disdain, again recalling the importance of “denazification” and “demilitarization” of Ukraine.
ISW believes that the Kremlin voiced such rhetoric for a reason. Most likely, Moscow intends to increase information pressure in order to once again try to impose its terms of peace on Ukraine in anticipation of the expected counter-offensive from the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“Fears of losing new occupied territories in Ukraine during the expected upcoming Ukrainian counter-offensive could prompt the Kremlin to step up its current information operation aimed at forcing the West to offer Ukraine concessions and force negotiations on more favorable terms for Russia,” they said. there.
Lavrov’s visit to Turkey – key statements
Recall that on Friday, April 7, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Ankara for talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.
Following the meeting, the Russian official issued new ultimatums against Ukraine. He commented on calls for talks with Ukraine, calling it “an unscrupulous trick” and pointed out that Moscow is not against peace, but on its own terms if the West hears it.
Lavrov also accused Ukraine of violating the “grain deal”, which was extended on March 18.