Quick thoughts on Putin’s brief press conference today🧵
Putin referred on 4 occasions to Kyiv government or President as ‘acting’ and once as ‘current’. He never once mentioned Zelensky by name
Ed: He tends to do that with his enemies as a way to make it clear that they are beneath him. Ex. Famously referring to Navalny as ‘Berlin patient’
On recognition of DNR and LNR, Putin made it clear that he had recognized their territory as defined in their constitutions, which encompasses all the regions as they existed prior to 2014 (i.e. those currently under Ukrainian government’s control)
On authorization of the use of force outside of Russia’s borders, he made it clear that it was done to enforce the defense agreements he has just signed with DNR and LNR.
‘Since there is a conflict, we are sending a message that we will uphold our obligations if necessary’
‘Since there is a conflict, we are sending a message that we will uphold our obligations if necessary’
On q of what it would take to rehabilitate relations between Kyiv and Moscow—3 things:
1. Recognition of Crimea as Russian territory
2. Ukraine rejecting NATO membership
3. Adherence to Minsk, but that’s no longer relevant
4. Most importantly, certain demilitarization of Ukraine
1. Recognition of Crimea as Russian territory
2. Ukraine rejecting NATO membership
3. Adherence to Minsk, but that’s no longer relevant
4. Most importantly, certain demilitarization of Ukraine
On allegation that Ukraine is developing nuclear weapons:
‘We believe Ukrainian words are directed at us. And we heard them. They have wide nuclear competency from Soviet times, developed nuclear industry, they have schools, everything they need to move quickly’
‘We believe Ukrainian words are directed at us. And we heard them. They have wide nuclear competency from Soviet times, developed nuclear industry, they have schools, everything they need to move quickly’
Ed: Schools?! Who knew that was all that’s needed for a nuclear weapons program. Time to amend IAEA Safeguards protocols to inspect schools!
Putin continues:
‘They don’t have one thing - uranium enrichment program. But that’s a technical question, for Ukraine it’s not an unsolvable problem, it’s easy to solve it’ (Ed: wasn’t so easy for Iran)
‘They don’t have one thing - uranium enrichment program. But that’s a technical question, for Ukraine it’s not an unsolvable problem, it’s easy to solve it’ (Ed: wasn’t so easy for Iran)
Putin on delivery systems:
They have old Soviet Tochka tactical ballistic missile systems—range of 110km. ‘Appearance of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine represents a strategic threat to us. 110km can be upped to 300, 500 and then Moscow is within reach’ (Ed: This is insane)
They have old Soviet Tochka tactical ballistic missile systems—range of 110km. ‘Appearance of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine represents a strategic threat to us. 110km can be upped to 300, 500 and then Moscow is within reach’ (Ed: This is insane)
Q: How far will the Russian forces in Donbas go? To the line of control? Further?
Putin: We can’t predict that. It will depend on the circumstances
Ed: He is not giving away his invasions plans to a nationally televised audience
Putin: We can’t predict that. It will depend on the circumstances
Ed: He is not giving away his invasions plans to a nationally televised audience
Q: In modern times, can you solve problems with force and stay on the side of good?
Putin: ‘Why does side of good have to be powerless? I don’t agree with that. I think that good side needs to defend itself. And that’s how we will proceed’
Putin: ‘Why does side of good have to be powerless? I don’t agree with that. I think that good side needs to defend itself. And that’s how we will proceed’
Ed: He believes offense is the best defense
END
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