British journalist Catherine Belton thinks a ceasefire in Ukraine will not end the conflict with Russia. In an interview with Der Spiegel, she explained why and what role the United States played in the war.
Since her book “Putin’s Net” (2020), Catherine Belton is considered an expert on the Russian president and his confidants. Yet she did not see the attack on Ukraine coming, she said in an interview with Spiegel. One of the reasons for this was the advice of the head of the Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev. He said the US government is using Ukraine as a platform to weaken Russia. Therefore, the neighboring country must be attacked. The Russian president thinks the US wants to undermine his rule by any means necessary. A victory would restore his stature on the world stage.
Putin’s people wanted to sow discord in the West
According to Belton, the Kremlin has been interfering in Ukraine since about 2004. Putin did not agree that pro-Kremlin politician Viktor Yanukovych lost the election to a pro-Western candidate. He then cut off the gas supply through Ukraine’s pipelines until a deal was accepted. This damaged President Yushchenko and he lost popular support. The meddling increased. According to Belton, Putin’s people have also tried to sow discord in Western democracies. At the same time, politicians were bribed and extremist movements were supported.
Putin’s standing up has to do with the fact that he has been humble in the past and can show people exactly what they want to see. Belton describes his presidency as an intertwining of oligarchy, intelligence agencies and organized crime. His people used media, courts and law enforcement with money. The reason why most people in Russia are not against the system is that they are too scared to do anything. Anyone who speaks of a war in Ukraine can be sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Putsch after Putin?
According to the British journalist who works for the Washington Post, the Russian president would also lose support among the Moscow elite. This would already have been discussed about a possible transfer, such as Dmitry Patrushev, the son of the head of the Security Council. It should be noted, however, that in Belton’s circles there is talk of a country of coups and that business interests play a role.
Belton does not believe in a ceasefire as a solution to the conflict. Putin is ready to give up the gains of the past 20 years for territorial gains in Ukraine. A ceasefire would continue the conflict. The ruler might need half a year or a year for the next attack. Russia has 143 million inhabitants, Ukraine only about 40.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
