The Russian-Ukrainian war. The eighth day

Baku/03.03.22/Turan: The 8th day of Russia's aggression against Ukraine is underway. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in  Hague has launched an investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 39 countries have applied to the ICC in connection with Russia's aggression against Ukraine.  According to the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC Karim Khan, the work to collect evidence has already begun.

Putin submitted to the State Duma today a draft law on ratification of the protocol on amending the Agreement on Peacekeeping Activities of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) dated October 6, 2007. The document, among other things, provides for the possibility of using the CSTO forces in peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) through the "coordinating CSTO member state."

The document states that the “coordinating state” (CG) is one of the CSTO member states that will elect a special council to resolve organizational issues and ensure the involvement of collective peacekeeping forces (CPF) in UN operations. It is assumed that this step is aimed at creating a legal framework in order to draw the CSTO countries into a war with Ukraine.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, during a briefing on February 25, spoke about the possible entry of the LPR and DPR into the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). However, she made a reservation that after their recognition by the CSTO member states.

Against this background, the second round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is to be held today, the purpose of which is to end the war.

Political observer Rauf Mirkadyrov  commented all the question in the "Difficult Question" program.

According to Mirkadyrov, it is likely that the talks, which may take place today, may have some kind of result.

“The positions of the parties are diametrically opposed. There is a statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. This statement stipulates that, firstly, Ukraine must recognize Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, secondly, recognize the DPR and LPR, and thirdly, there must be no offensive weapons on the territory of Ukraine and Kyiv must confirm its neutral status (i.e.  to guarantee non-entry into NATO) and, fourthly, to carry out denazification,” the observer said.

In his opinion, the Ukrainian side will refuse to accept these conditions and, in turn, will demand the complete and unconditional withdrawal of the Russian Armed Forces from its territory and the recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty in this internationally recognized territory.

“The only point of contact between the parties can be considered that Ukraine declares that if it receives legal guarantees of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, it may refuse to join NATO. The only compromise on the part of Ukraine is the rejection of NATO membership,” Mirkadyrov said.

According to the expert, the Russian side makes it clear that negotiations on this subject are not ruled out. However, this does not matter, because the main reason for the futility of these negotiations is not something that the parties can or cannot agree on. The main thing is that Putin has set himself the goal of coming out of this war a winner. Or at least create the illusion of victory so that Russian society can witness his victory, his triumph. This is the main thing for Putin. But, the path to triumph lies through Kyiv.

“Obviously, Putin can only be stopped by military force. But the West is not ready for this,” the expert is convinced. –0--