Putin's Ultimate Goal: Full Control Over Ukrainian Regions

The conflict in Ukraine has reached a critical point. Vladimir Putin has made it clear that he wants full control over four Ukrainian regions. This demand is more extensive than what was previously discussed during talks between Russia and the United States. The regions in question are Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Luhansk, and Donetsk. Putin claims to have annexed these areas, but this claim is not recognized internationally. These talks have been ongoing for some time. Recently, a representative from the U. S. met with Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire. The proposal on the table was that Russia would have de facto control over parts of these regions. This means Russia would control these areas in practice, but not officially. However, Putin is not willing to settle for this. He wants full, official control over these regions. The situation is complex. Putin's demands go against what many other countries want. For instance, Ukraine wants to join NATO, but Putin does not want this to happen. This is one of the main points of contention in the conflict. Additionally, there are concerns about the legitimacy of the referendums that Russia used to justify its annexation of these regions. Many countries have denounced these referendums as sham. The talks have hit a roadblock. For any progress to be made, it seems that Putin and the U. S. President would need to have direct contact. This is a worrying development, as it could mean that the conflict will continue for some time. The U. S. has said that negotiations are still ongoing, but there is skepticism about this. Some people think that the U. S. might not be fully committed to the process. There are also concerns about what will happen if a peace deal is reached. Even if Ukraine is forced to give up significant territory, it is unlikely that the country will become more pro-Russian. Instead, it is likely that Ukraine will become more determined to build democratic institutions. This is a point that a geopolitical expert from Cornell University has made. She argues that even if Ukraine is forced to make concessions, it will still be more European in orientation and more anti-Russian. The conflict in Ukraine is a result of long-standing tensions between Russia and the West. These tensions have been building for years, and the conflict in Ukraine is just the latest manifestation of them. It is important to understand this context when thinking about the current situation. The conflict is not just about the four regions that Putin wants to control. It is about the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. The conflict in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the region and the world. It has led to a humanitarian crisis, with many people displaced from their homes. It has also led to economic sanctions against Russia, which have had a significant impact on the Russian economy. The conflict has also had a significant impact on global politics, with many countries taking sides in the conflict. It is a complex situation, and it is unclear what the future holds.