To understand the situation surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian war, it is important to pay attention to the goals pursued by Putin. Public activist Valery Pekar singles out two main goals:
1. Elimination of Ukrainian statehood and identity: Various options are acceptable for Putin, ranging from the reproduction of the Ukrainian SSR to scenarios similar to Belarus under Lukashenka or Chechnya under Kadyrov. Even the division of Ukraine is possible.
2. Splitting of Europe and its relations with the USA: Putin wants to show the weakness of democracy and establish Russia as a world power center.
These goals dictate the Kremlin's key demands: "denazification" (a term that can mean anything) and the demilitarization of Ukraine. Fulfillment of these requirements would contribute to the achievement of the first goal, and subsequently the second.
Pekar notes that in Ukraine there is a lack of effective communication between the government and society and discussions about what is considered victory or defeat, as well as where our red lines are. The issue of the borders of 1991 is no longer relevant and even harmful, as it creates the impression that Ukraine is fighting for territories, and not for people, state or identity. Such a position looks anachronistic for the world community, which does not understand why fighting for territories in the 21st century.
Western countries fear the defeat of Russia as much as the defeat of Ukraine, because they do not know how to end the war without the defeat of Russia. All hope of Putin's death is futile, as his possible successor, the notional "Putin 2.0," will continue the war.
Pekar also expresses his opinion about Boris Johnson, who at one time was a great friend of Ukraine. He believes that the former leader of the British Conservative Party, which suffered an election defeat, is eager to return to the front pages of the news and become visible again.
