Crisis in Ukraine: but what does Vladimir Putin really want?

Marion Gauthier, edited by Ugo Pascolo 7:16 p.m., February 20, 2022

TO ANALYSE

But what does Vladimir Putin really want in the Ukrainian file?

As the latest deteriorations at the border between the two countries raise fears for the worst, the meeting between Moscow and Paris has resulted in an agreement to try to reach a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine , reported the Elysee.

Despite the escalation of tensions, Vladimir Putin therefore seems open to negotiations.

"What he wants is the assurance that Ukraine will not join NATO. On this he practically won because Ukraine, its membership is no longer on the agenda for now", analysis at the microphone of Europe 1 Patrick Martin-Genier, teacher at Sciences Po Paris and INALCO, specialist in European and international issues.

But what the Russian president is also asking for, “is a ceasefire. We have always been asking for it! And who is behind its rupture? It is indeed the separatist forces of Lugansk and Donetsk. So he's not a trustworthy man!", Recalls the expert.

>> READ ALSO -

 "There is no question of me leaving": these French people who refuse to leave Ukraine

Vladimir Putin, "the master of the game"

As for the negotiations conducted by the rest of the world with Russia, Patrick Martin-Genier "does not see what more they will be able to give, except that NATO is still backing down in the face of Vladimir Putin's demands. In the end, Ukraine is hostage, because it wants to redesign the entire post-Cold War security architecture and renegotiate the presence of NATO troops in the countries of Eastern Europe, in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, which is completely inadmissible."

For the expert, there is no doubt "psychologically, Vladimir Putin has won since everyone revolves around his proposals! The master of the game and timing for the moment is Vladimir Putin."