#Russia_Ukraine: It is not clear what Russia's exact goal is in triggering the issue of recognition of breakaway territories. One explanation may be that Russia is using the "recognition" story to pressure Kyiv to implement the Minsk Agreements. This makes even more sense⤵️
after both Macron and Scholz discussed this with Zelensky. The fact that Putin rejected the idea of recognition so quickly could be the result of an orchestrated move from the Duma side to improve Putin's image as a more pragmatic political actor in the eyes of the West.⤵️
Another intention probably lies in distracting attention or creating more confusion around the military buildup. This last one began to be questioned before the recent appearances of withdrawing some elements of the military buildup. In any case, neither aggression nor⤵️
recognition of the separatist territories is ruled out. These scenarios can be easily intertwined, regardless of whether Russia faces difficult scenarios or not. However, unlike aggression, the recognition of separatist territories is not yet subject to any sanctions.⤵️
Perhaps this could lead to new developments in West's sanctions policy. The US and the EU could be compelled to expand their range of sanctions on Russia's possible recognition of the independence of breakaway territories.
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