“Wishing not to be a second Afghanistan” Russian experts concerned

A Russian diplomatic expert close to Putin's administration about Russia's military invasion of Ukraine responded to an interview with NHK, showing a pessimistic view of the early ceasefire and saying, "Do not become a second Afghanistan. I hope. ”He expressed strong concern.

Andrey Kortunov, chairman of the Russian government think tank "Russian International Affairs Council", responded to an interview with NHK in Moscow on the 11th.

In it, Mr. Kortunov said that while avoiding a clear assessment of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, such a military conflict was unpredictable.

"The world has changed in the last two weeks, and unfortunately many hopes haven't been met," he said, adding mixed thoughts to President Putin's decision.

"Of course, the biggest challenge is to ceasefire and start negotiations for a peaceful solution," he said, while the Putin administration may be aiming to seize the capital Kyiv at great cost. He was pessimistic about the early ceasefire, saying that he could not be ruled out.

"I just hope that it will be put to an end in the near future. I hope Ukraine will not become the second Afghanistan in the near future," said Kortunov. With that in mind, he expressed strong concern.

Regarding the economic sanctions imposed on Russia by Europe, the United States and Japan, "The government is stronger than expected, and a new wave of sanctions is rushing in. As sanctions for countries that are deeply linked to the world economy. Isn't it unprecedented? "He said, not only could it be a big blow to the Russian economy, but it could also have an impact on the world economy.

"The Russian media is actively spreading the idea that the sanctions imposed by the West are not on the leadership, but on Russian society," said Putin's propaganda. He also mentioned the possibility that the point of dissatisfaction will go to Europe and the United States in the future.

Regarding future Japan-Russia relations, this time Japan is also subject to strict sanctions in line with Europe and the United States, so he said that development could not be expected for the time being. I don't know, but we should strive to build a normal, constructive, and mutually beneficial relationship. "

Regarding the anti-war voice that continues to spread in Russia, he analyzed that the impact on the Putin administration is not great so far, and said, "If military operations are prolonged and war costs are high, the atmosphere of society will change. , This factor will be important. "