In a recent edition of his program on state television, Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov made a loud statement that leaves no doubt about the Kremlin’s intentions: Russia does not intend to stop the war in Ukraine. His words, heard on the program «Evening with Vladimir Solovyov,» — «We are neither going to stop nor not stop» — are not just the presenter’s personal opinion, but a direct reflection of Vladimir Putin’s position.
Solovyov, as one of the main mouthpieces of Kremlin propaganda, acts solely at the behest of Russia’s top leadership. His statements can and should be regarded as Moscow’s official position.
Solovyov emphasized in his aggressive rhetoric that Russia will not stop, no matter what Trump proposes. He brazenly, boorishly insulted and ridiculed the American president, saying that «Trump is not Putin» and cannot lift sanctions against Russia alone. This statement, uttered against the backdrop of ongoing Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the recent barbaric strike on Kiev that killed 12 civilians, demonstrates the Kremlin’s true intentions. Solovyov, as a figure completely under the control of the authorities, says only what Putin wants to convey to the world. In this case, it is clear that Russia has no intention of compromise and will not give up its goal of destroying Ukraine as an independent state.
Against the backdrop of this rhetoric, the contrast between the positions of Ukraine and Russia becomes more than obvious. Ukraine, which has suffered from Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression, sincerely seeks peace. President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated his willingness to negotiate, but has emphasized that for this to happen, Russia needs a complete ceasefire. Ukraine agreed to Trump’s proposed 30-day ceasefire, but Russia only stepped up its attacks in response, reaffirming once again its unwillingness for a peaceful settlement.
Putin and his propagandists like Solovyov make it clear to the world that the Kremlin has not given up its imperial ambitions. Statements that Russia will not stop are not just words, but reflect Putin’s strategic goal: to destroy Ukraine as a sovereign state and subjugate it to his will.
Today it is more than obvious that peace in Ukraine will come only under one condition — the crushing defeat of the Russian army on the battlefield. Only a military victory for Ukraine can stop the Kremlin’s aggression and bring the peace that President Trump so desires. However, he has chosen a different, deeply flawed strategy. His efforts to appease the aggressor under the current circumstances are working to continue the war in Putin’s interests.
It has become clear even to European leaders that Ukraine’s victory in this war is not only a matter of its own survival, but also a guarantee of the security of all of Europe. If Russia prevails, Putin or anyone else in the Kremlin will not stop. History shows that Moscow’s appetite grows with each success: the annexation of Crimea in 2014, occupation of Donbass, and then a full-scale invasion in 2022 are all links in the same chain. The next target, of course, will be the countries of Eastern Europe, by the way, they understand this perfectly well.
Russian officials, including Sergei Shoigu, who recently said that the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine could lead to World War III, are also talking about this directly.
Europe has realized that supporting Ukraine is an investment in its own security. Arms supplies, financial aid and a firm political stand against Russian blackmail are the only way to stop Putin. No negotiations, no deals with the Kremlin will lead to peace because Putin has proven endlessly that he does not honor agreements. Violating the Budapest Memorandum, the Minsk agreements and other international treaties is only a small part of the list of his perfidy. Attempts to negotiate with him are doomed to failure, and the sooner Washington realizes this, the fewer lives will be lost.
Unfortunately, the White House administration does not yet seem to realize this obvious fact. Donald Trump, despite his loud statements about his desire to end the war, is helping Moscow by his actions, demonstrating inconsistency and, against the background of Putin’s actions, indecisiveness.
His recent words that «Putin wants peace» are pure madness or, at best, a misunderstanding of reality.
Moreover, Trump is blaming Ukraine, not Russia, which greatly helps Kremlin propaganda. This stance clearly undermines peace efforts and gives Putin more time to continue the war. Allied indecision and Trump’s inexplicable stance have already cost Ukraine dearly. The war could have ended much sooner if the West had shown more resolve in supplying weapons and imposed really tough sanctions against Russia. Instead, precious time is being wasted on fruitless attempts to persuade Putin, who has no intention of negotiating with anyone. You’d have to be a blind and deaf lunatic not to realize that. Or a cynical scoundrel pretending not to realize it.
Solovyov’s statements, made at the direct behest of the Kremlin, clearly show that Russia is not seeking peace. Putin continues his aggression, and the only way to stop him is to stand firm against his imperial ambitions. A Ukrainian victory on the battlefield is the only path to peace and security in Europe. It is now more important than ever to support the Ukrainian army, provide it with all the weapons it needs, and not give in to Moscow’s blackmail. The sooner Washington realizes this, the sooner this war will end. Time is playing against Ukraine and the whole of Europe, and we must not waste it.
Boris Demash, specially for Cyprus Daily News