Compromises at the highest level. It is increasingly clear that a violent and fairly long clash between Russia, the United States and Europe was never anticipated, or seriously taken into account by the authorities of the three global powers. Stances, declarations (some of them fairly menacing), pressure, demands in no uncertain terms for concessions from the other side: we've seen all of that in recent weeks; but at the same time, we were entirely confident that settlements and compromises were desired and possible at the highest levels, whilst certain parties have been continuing to defend their own interests ferociously, in order to enjoy direct advantages, many of which are unjustified and (or) downright abusive.
The Geneva compromise of last Thursday is not just the basis for all future results in various areas, but above all it stripped the forces going about their abusive operations in Ukraine of any legitimacy. It is now a matter for the recognised authorities to get rid of abuse and undue advantage - of all kinds.
Mr Putin on a PR offensive. While his Foreign Minister was in Geneva, Putin was on Russian television, answering questions from his citizens, as part of a never-ending debate (“The Direct Line”) which lasted some five hours! This charming encounter has, as you would expect, had considerable repercussions, and a few of the Russian President's answers are worthy of being repeated.
Following his (predictable) confirmation that no Russian soldiers or secret agents are present in Ukraine among the population, which, he added, is at home and will never leave, he stressed that these are the people he must deal with, whilst pointing out that part of Ukraine, including Odessa right up to 1920, has always been Russian. In answer to one question, he said that the US President, Barack Obama, would undoubtedly come to his rescue if so required, because he is a “generous and brave man”. However, he described as “serious” the fact that NATO is threatening to reinforce its troops in the East, even though it had promised to do the opposite, adding that he does not appreciate “some of Mr Rasmussen's methods”.
It bears repeating that the NATO Secretary General is to be replaced in October by the Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, who has been described many times as a “friend of Russia”. Indeed, Moscow approves highly of Mr Stoltenberg.
Following the direct line of Thursday 17, opinion polls in Russia about Putin are euphoric, with satisfaction rates in the region of 70%.
(FR)