Expert Explains What Will Force Putin to Peace Deal
In addition to sanctions pressure, the resumption of US arms sales to Ukraine would help to counteract Russia very seriously. This would be a very important signal, and it would have a much stronger effect on Putin than sanctions, says political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to the broadcast of FREEDOM TV channel.
The sanctions pressure on the aggressor country should definitely be increased. It is important to create a rigorous system that would make it impossible for Russia's shadow tanker fleet to operate, Fesenko said.
"Ships leaving the Baltic Sea must call at European ports. To refuel and more. And if there is a complete blockade, they will not be able to enter European ports, then they will not be able to function," the political analyst explained.
The second aspect is blocking the straits so that Russian ships cannot leave the Baltic Sea. However, there are risks here, the political scientist believes.
"There are international agreements, so there is a risk from the point of view of international law. But we can assume that if, for example, these ships are not insured according to European rules, and most often they are not, which is why this fleet is called the shadow fleet, it is a threat to the environment. That is, the sanctions should be about this, about such real restrictions so that Russia cannot trade in oil coming from the Baltic Sea area. Then it will be serious," Fesenko said.
The Black Sea is more complicated, because Turkey is not a member of the European Union and buys Russian oil itself. Therefore, the political scientist believes, it is necessary to think over specific actions.
He also noted that secondary sanctions and restrictions on the oil market are very important.
"Here, the role of the United States would be very significant in relation to India, for example, Turkey, and China in terms of buying Russian oil. Unfortunately, the European Union cannot act as tough as the United States. But what could be a very serious counter to Russia and would be a very important signal is the resumption of US arms sales to Ukraine. This is very important. And I think it has a much stronger effect on Putin than sanctions. It's no coincidence that Russia demands at every negotiation that the West stops supplying weapons to Ukraine. It means it's important," Fesenko is convinced.
Especially now, he believes, when Russia is trying to launch a summer offensive against Ukraine under the guise of negotiations, it is important to resume arms supplies. And the European Union can also help.
"I think we should start negotiations with the US to resume the supply of American weapons. Here, of course, we need to determine what weapons are needed. For example, artillery shells. A number of American factories have been supplying their products to Ukraine since last year, and even earlier. We need missiles for air defence systems and much more. This is very important for Ukraine right now. If Russia sees that Ukraine is again receiving, albeit for money - the Europeans can help here too - but is again receiving American weapons and ammunition, this will influence Russia's behaviour. This will push them to more realistic negotiations," the guest stressed.
Sanctions against Russia, in his opinion, are also important, but in the current format, they are unlikely to force Russia to end the war.
"Unfortunately, this did not happen in the first three years of the war and is unlikely to happen now. That's why weapons. Weapons and tough political pressure," Fesenko concluded.
As The Gaze reported earlier, European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said at a briefing in Brussels on April 7 that Russia shows "complete disrespect" for the peace talks by continuing killings and atrocities in Ukraine.