Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly renounced a parliamentary authorization for the use of military force against Ukraine, urging the Ukrainian government and rebels to take advantage of the ongoing ceasefire and engage in substantive talks.
Putin offered tentative backing for the ceasefire itself, saying it was a good start but urging them to extend it beyond the single week both sides have agreed to so far.
Yesterday that ceasefire looked very promising indeed, with both sides meeting for preliminary talks on a settlement on the ongoing eastern conflict. Overnight clashes and a helicopter downed near Slovyansk have the situation in serious doubt again.
The Ukrainian government reported the Mi-8 cargo helicopter was shot down, killing nine people, including people who were installing equipment to monitor the ceasefire.
Which rebel faction fired the missile was unclear, and the government reported those responsible fled to a nearby village. Major factions within the People’s Republic of Donetsk appear to still be abiding by the ceasefire, and looking for talks.
USA want sanctions,sanctions,sanctions.They should help refugees from Donetsk,Lugansk, …
People will not forget US position on refugees.
Little by little, and with as much bad grace as he dares, Putin is backing off. It strikes me in passing that the rebels were incredibly stupid to call themselves the "People's Republic of Donetsk", a denomination unique to communists. By doing so, they forfeited the support of everyone except those who want to see communism re-imposed in the former Soviet Union regardless of the people's wishes. The oligrachs behind Putin were never going to allow that!
Putin is winning the battle for Eastern Ukraine, which is why he doesn't have to use the Russian military. Then, by publicly calling for the renunciation of the parliamentary authorization for the use of military force, he has yet another public relations (which is to say "propaganda") victory. Eventually, as with the Crimea, there will be an electoral process and the Eastern Ukrainian provinces will vote. And we know how that will turn out. Game, set, match for Vladimir Vladimirovich. Suck on that NATO!
Tactically, by providing the separatists with anti-aircraft missles, Putin has neutralized the possibility of Kiev using air power. This last shoot-down of a "supply" helicopter, which Kiev hoped they could pull off under cover of the cease fire, is Putin/the separatists way of saying, "Don't be thinking that you can use the cease fire as an opportunity to screw around with us."
Americans are so used to clueless blowhard leaders and yes-men generals that they don't/can't recognize strategic brilliance. Candy from a baby. Gotta love it!
I think your analysis is right on target.
And Kerry announces that EU needs to step up its commitment by spending more on military buildup in Europe. To stop the process of democracy, Islamization and militarization with no ideology but war is what USG is asking for.