Russia keeps upping the price of peace. Ukraine could lose up to six more oblasts if it continues to resist. From Simplicius at simplicus76.substack.com:
One of the interesting developments of the past few days is the continued rejection by Russian officials of the previous ceasefire ‘status quo’, with the gradual warming up by the West to Russia’s own demands.
This was highlighted by Keith Kellogg seemingly acknowledging recent “leaks” that Putin’s new memorandum would include a requirement for NATO to desist from expanding eastward to countries like Moldova, Georgia, or even beyond. Kellogg here appears to acquiesce to these demands:
[see linked article for video]
He states: “We’re saying comprehensively, we can stop the expansion of NATO coming close to your border.”
On one hand, this may appear to be a good step forward by the US in finally acknowledging Russia’s security concerns, and it should be said, implicitly acknowledging that the conflict was in fact started by NATO expansion. On the other hand, put yourself in Russia’s shoes—NATO had already sung that song to Russia back in the early ‘90s, then infamously reneged.
That’s not to mention that NATO had just expanded massively in the past two years. It feels kind of disingenuous to say: “Okay, we’ll stop further expansion” after blitzing through the largest expansion in decades right onto Russia’s doorstep with the addition of Sweden and Finland. That’s like strangling a person by the neck then whispering, don’t worry, I promise not to squeeze any harder than this.
Reading that Russia has to leave bombers that are nuke capable out in the open and visible to surveillance due to SALT and START treaties. (H/T-CTH)
Burn down the world for Ukraine?
Such a deal. (not really)